What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
after
Example
We'll have lunch after the meeting. [after: preposition]
Example
The letter 'B' comes after 'A' in the alphabet. [after: adverb]
Example
The police chased after the suspect. [after: preposition]
behind
Example
The car behind us is honking its horn. [behind: preposition]
Example
I'm behind schedule on my project. [behind: adverb]
Example
He fell behind the rest of the class in math. [behind: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
After is more commonly used than behind in everyday language. After is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while behind is more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between after and behind?
Both after and behind are considered neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
