What are the definitions of “wait behind”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stay somewhere after other people have left.
I WAITED BEHIND to ask the lecturer a question.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wait behind”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wait behind is to stay in a place after other people have left. It is often used when someone wants to talk to someone else privately or needs extra time to finish something.
What are the different verb forms of “wait behind”?
| Root Verb | wait behind |
| Third Person Singular Present | waits behind |
| Present Participle | waiting behind |
| Simple Past | waited behind |
| Past Participle | waited behind |
Example
She decided to wait behind after the meeting to discuss her concerns.
Example
He waits behind after class to ask the teacher for help.
Example
They are waiting behind to clean up the room after the party.
Example
Yesterday, I waited behind to help my friend with her project.
Example
He had waited behind to make sure everyone left safely.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wait behind”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“wait behind” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She waited behind after the meeting.
Example
He waited behind to talk to the professor.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wait behind” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She waited behind after the meeting.
Example
He waited behind to talk to the professor.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wait behind”?
Good things to know
Does “wait behind” have an informal or formal tone?
Wait behind is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic context.
