What is behind? Pronunciation and usage in English

behind means . Learn how to pronounce and use behind through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of behind

behindpreposition

/bɪˈhʌɪnd/
Definition & pronunciation of behind

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "behind" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "be" – This part is relatively straightforward. It sounds like the "bee" in "bee" (pronounced /biː/).
  • "hind" – This is the tricky part. It’s a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. The most common pronunciation of “hind” is /haɪnd/.

2. Breaking it Down Step-by-Step:

  • Start with "be": Say “bee” as in the insect.
  • Transition to "haɪ": As you move into the “hind” part, you need to smoothly transition the sound from the "bee" sound into a higher, slightly drawn-out "hi" sound – like the "hi" in "high." It’s a subtle shift, but important.
  • End with "nd": Finish with the "nd" sound, like in “hand” or “land” (/nd/).

3. Putting it all together:

Try saying it slowly: “Bee-hynd” (where “hynd” is that blended “hi” sound).

4. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "behind" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear a native speaker pronounce it. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website (https://forvo.com/) has pronunciations from native speakers around the world. Search for “behind” there.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce behind” – you'll find lots of pronunciation videos demonstrating the sound.

Key Tips:

  • Don't stress the "h": The "h" is silent in "behind."
  • Smooth transition: The key is to make that smooth shift from the “bee” sound to the “hi” sound. Don't abruptly switch between the two.
  • Practice slowly at first: Focus on getting the separate parts right, then gradually increase your speed.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences with "behind" in them?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the transition sound)?

Usage and examples with the word behind in English

Let's break down how to use the word "behind" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings and functions! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Location - Physically Behind:

  • Meaning: In the rear or back of something.
  • Examples:
    • "The car is behind me." (position)
    • "Stand behind the line." (location in a queue)
    • "There's a tree behind the house." (spatial relationship)
    • "He sat behind a large oak desk."

2. Timing - After / Later:

  • Meaning: Happening after something else; later in time.
  • Examples:
    • "She's behind schedule." (she hasn't completed her work on time)
    • “The movie is behind on release.” (it hasn't been released yet)
    • “We’re a little behind on our plans.” (we’re not where we expected to be in the timeline)

3. Cause / Reason - The Root of Something:

  • Meaning: The underlying cause or reason for something; the source.
  • Examples:
    • “The problem is behind the delay.” (the cause or reason for the delay)
    • “He lost his job behind his bad attitude.” (the reason for his job loss)
    • “There’s a historical reason behind the tradition.” (explaining the origins)
    • "The success is behind a lot of hard work." (the reason for the success)

4. Concealment / Hiding:

  • Meaning: Hidden or covered up; kept secret. Often used figuratively.
  • Examples:
    • “He was behind on his taxes.” (meaning he owed money and didn't pay) – Note: This is a common idiom
    • “She's behind on her emails.” (meaning she hasn’t responded to emails) – Another idiom
    • “Don’t be so behind the times!”(meaning don’t be outdated/uninformed)
    • "He was trying to keep his true motives behind a facade of charm." (hiding his intentions)

5. Following (as in “behind the scenes”):

  • Meaning: Operating or happening secretly or out of view.
  • Examples:
    • “The negotiations were happening behind the scenes.” (secretly)
    • “There's a lot going on behind the scenes to prepare for the event.” (unseen efforts)

6. Grammatical Usage (Preposition):

  • "Behind" as a Preposition: It indicates a location or relationship in relation to something else.
    • "He walked behind the truck." (location)
    • "The secret is behind the curtain." (location)

Phrases with "Behind":

  • Behind the scenes: (See #5 – meaning secretly or privately)
  • Behind closed doors: (Meaning secretly, often in a private setting)
  • Behind the curve: (Meaning lagging behind others)
  • Behind schedule: (Meaning not on time)
  • Behind bars: (Meaning in prison)

Tips for Using "Behind" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "behind" changes dramatically depending on how it's used in a sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Idioms: Be aware of common idioms like "behind on taxes" or "behind the times." These have specific, non-literal meanings.
  • Prepositional Usage: Remember that "behind" can be a preposition, indicating location or relationship.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are there any specific sentences you're struggling with where you've used "behind"?
  • Are you trying to use "behind" in a particular context (e.g., writing, speaking, a specific subject)?

Synonyms for the word behind

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