What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tailgate
Example
Don't tailgate the car in front of you, it's dangerous. [tailgate: verb]
Example
We had a great time tailgating before the football game. [tailgating: gerund or present participle]
backdoor
Example
The hackers gained access to the system through a backdoor. [backdoor: noun]
Example
We can try to solve the problem by using a backdoor approach. [backdoor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tailgate is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in the context of driving or social gatherings. Backdoor is less common and is mostly used in the context of technology or security.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tailgate and backdoor?
Backdoor is more formal than tailgate, as it is mostly used in technical or professional settings. Tailgate is more casual and informal, often used in social or recreational contexts.