GET BEHIND

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'get behind' means to support, endorse, or assist someone or something, often to promote success, progress, or cause advancement.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'get behind' means to support, endorse, or assist someone or something, often to promote success, progress, or cause advancement.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and the preposition cannot be split apart.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, usually a person or concept.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple get behind Many people get behind the community project.
Past Simple got behind The whole village got behind their leader during the crisis.
Present Continuous getting behind They are getting behind the new environmental initiative.
Present Perfect gotten behind She has gotten behind the local charity effort wholeheartedly.

💡 When to Use

Supporting a cause
Use it when expressing support for ideas, initiatives, or campaigns that align with your beliefs.
Example: "It's important for all of us to get behind renewable energy projects."
Backing someone in need
When you want to show solidarity or offer assistance to someone facing difficult times.
Example: "Let's get behind John during his family's medical crisis."
Group unity
Ideal when describing collective effort or agreement with a decision, showing organizational unity.
Example: "The whole team must get behind the new management strategy."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using in an intransitive context
❌ Wrong: We need to get behind.
✅ Correct: We need to get behind the plan.
💡 Tip: Always include what is being supported.
Incorrectly splitting
❌ Wrong: Get the new law behind.
✅ Correct: Get behind the new law.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'get behind' is not separable.
Using with incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: He get behind the cause last year.
✅ Correct: He got behind the cause last year.
💡 Tip: Pay attention to correct past tense form.
Practice

GET BEHIND - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

support endorse

Antonyms

oppose

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"It's time to ___ behind the new policy for a better future."

taken
get behind
made
put

"When the winds of change blow, those who get behind the right cause shall find themselves on the path to progress."

In Context

In the late 18th century, Thomas Clarkson emerged as a pivotal figure in the British abolitionist movement. Realizing the horrors of the slave trade, he committed himself to the cause. Despite initial apathy, Clarkson worked tirelessly to get behind the efforts to abolish slavery. With the collaboration of like-minded individuals, he gathered witness accounts and produced numerous pamphlets exposing the truth. His relentless pursuit inspired many to get behind this moral fight, turning public opinion gradually against the trade. Clarkson's determination was unyielding; even when faced with significant opposition, he pushed forward, believing the nation would ultimately get behind the movement. His efforts culminated in the successful passing of the Slave Trade Act in 1807. Clarkson's ability to rally supporters demonstrated the profound impact of getting behind a just cause. Tragically, Clarkson did not witness the total abolition of slavery in his lifetime, but his foundational work was instrumental in building the momentum that eventually led to the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. Through his dedication and unyielding resolve, history remembers him as a leading abolitionist who knew the power of getting people to unite behind a noble cause.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Get Behind

What is the origin of get behind?

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The phrasal verb 'get behind' originated in English in the 19th century. It combines 'get,' meaning to achieve a state, with 'behind,' indicating support. Over time, it evolved to express the idea of supporting or endorsing a cause or person fully.

Can get behind be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'get behind' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it often appears in support letters or endorsements, while informally, it expresses support in everyday conversations, making it a practical choice for diverse situations.

What is the difference between get behind and support?

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'Get behind' and 'support' are similar, but 'get behind' emphasizes the act of aligning oneself with a cause or person. 'Support' is broader, covering any form of assistance or endorsement. 'Get behind' often implies a commitment to a cause or shared endeavor.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

fall behindlag behinddrop behindtrail behindslip behind
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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