Differences between get behind and leave behind
Get behind usually means to support someone or something, while leave behind generally means to forget or abandon something or someone.
Meanings and Definitions: get behind vs leave behind
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get behind
- 1Support.
All the students GOT BEHIND the teacher.
Leave behind
- 1To forget or stop thinking about something.
Being in a bad mood about something that happened at work is not something you leave behind once you shut your office door.
- 2To fail to keep up with others or make progress.
Fashion houses who aren't designing clothes for bigger bodies are going to be left behind.
- 3To abandon or not take someone or something with you when you leave a place.
He had to leave his family behind in Chile.
- 4To provide or leave something for someone, especially in a will or as a legacy.
My mum's worked hard all her life and now has something to leave behind for her kids which is very important to her.
Usage Examples: get behind, leave behind in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get behind
Example
I always get behind my friends when they need support.
Example
She gets behind her favorite sports team during every game.
leave behind
Example
I always leave behind my keys when I'm in a hurry.
Example
She leaves behind her wallet every time she goes shopping.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get behind
stand by
To support or defend someone or something in a difficult situation.
Example
I will always stand by my best friend no matter what happens.
back up
To support or reinforce someone or something with evidence or resources.
Example
I can back up my argument with data and research from reputable sources.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Leave behind
To leave or desert someone or something without intending to return.
Example
The owner abandoned the old car in the garage and never came back for it.
To throw away or get rid of something that is no longer useful or needed.
Example
She decided to discard her old clothes and donate them to charity.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “behind”
Differences in get behind vs leave behind: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get behind or leave behind?
In daily conversation, people use leave behind more often than get behind. This is because leave behind is used for more common situations such as forgetting something at home or leaving a place. Get behind is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about supporting someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, leave behind is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get behind and leave behind
Get behind and leave behind are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of get behind and leave behind
The tone of get behind and leave behind can differ based on context. Get behind often carries a positive and supportive tone when related to supporting someone or something, while leave behind typically has a negative or regretful tone, especially when referring to forgetting or abandoning something or someone.
