behind
behind — preposition
1. at the rear of a person or thing, often so that it is partly hidden by it
at the rear of a person or thing, often so that it is partly hidden by it
The small cat hid behind the sofa during the loud thunderstorm.
behind + object blocking view
A tall man stood behind Emma in the lunch line.
position in a line
We parked behind the school gym after the concert.
The sun slipped behind the clouds before the rain began.
- at the back of
more neutral; stresses location more than hiding
- in back of
common in American English speech
- in front of
opposite position
文法句型
behind + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used when the second noun blocks sight of the first. Distinguish from adverb sense 1: this preposition must be followed by an object.
常見錯誤
2. used to show who or what caused something, started it, or helped it grow
used to show who or what caused something, started it, or helped it grow
Local students were behind the push to turn the empty lot into a park.
be behind + push as driving force
A broken water pipe was behind the flood in the basement.
be behind + event cause
Many fans think Pia is behind the band's new electronic sound.
Careless wiring was behind the fire at the old shop.
- responsible for
more direct and neutral
- driving
stresses active force behind change
文法句型
be behind + event / plan / change
用法筆記
Subject often names a person, group, idea, or physical cause. Distinguish from sense 4: this sense is about causing or shaping something, not simply supporting it.
3. showing that you agree with someone or something and want them to succeed
showing that you agree with someone or something and want them to succeed
Most teachers at Lincoln Middle School are behind the new reading program.
be behind + program for approval
Her parents stood behind her decision to open a bakery.
support a person's decision
Thousands of voters stood behind the mayor after the storm.
Our team is behind the idea of free school lunches for all students.
- supporting
simple general equivalent
- backing
often implies stronger or more public support
- against
opposite opinion or position
文法句型
be behind + person / idea / campaign
用法筆記
Often used about public approval, practical backing, or emotional support. Distinguish from sense 3: here the subject is not the cause of the thing, but the side that supports it.
常見錯誤
4. in baseball, with more balls than strikes already thrown to the batter
in baseball, with more balls than strikes already thrown to the batter
By the third pitch, Lewis was already behind in the count.
fixed phrase: behind in the count
The rookie pitcher fell behind the batter after missing the zone twice.
baseball commentary pattern
Our coach called time when Chen got behind in the count against Park.
After three straight balls, Rosa was behind in the count again.
文法句型
behind in the count
behind the batter
用法筆記
Common in baseball talk, especially the set phrase 'behind in the count'. It refers to the pitch count, not to physical position.
behind — adverb
1. still in an earlier place after other people or things have moved away
still in an earlier place after other people or things have moved away
Rosa left her blue notebook behind on the library table.
leave + object + behind
Two children stayed behind after class to clean the paint brushes.
stay behind after group leaves
We waved, but Grandpa remained behind by the garden gate.
One suitcase was left behind when the bus pulled away.
- along
moving with the group instead of staying
文法句型
leave / stay / remain behind
用法筆記
No object follows 'behind' here. Common with 'leave', 'stay', 'remain', and passive forms like 'be left behind'.
常見錯誤
2. at a slower point than others, or later than the time, level, or amount that is
at a slower point than others, or later than the time, level, or amount that is needed
Our train is running ten minutes behind after the heavy rain.
be running + time + behind
Pia fell behind in math after missing school for a week.
fall behind in schoolwork
The red boat was far behind by the final turn.
Dad is behind with the electricity bills again this month.
- late
best for time and schedules
- trailing
best for races or competition
- in arrears
formal, especially for unpaid money
文法句型
be / fall behind
behind with + payments / work
用法筆記
Common with races, schedules, schoolwork, and payments. 'Behind with' often means not yet paid or finished.
常見錯誤
behind — noun
1. the soft parts on the rear of your body that rest on a chair when you sit
the soft parts on the rear of your body that rest on a chair when you sit
The baby landed on his behind and started to cry.
informal noun for buttocks
Mum put cream on the baby's sore behind.
Jake slipped on the step and bumped his behind.
The doctor checked the rash on the child's behind.
文法句型
on + possessive + behind
用法筆記
A mild informal word, often used with children. In medical or formal contexts, 'buttocks' is more usual.