stay behind
A2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To stay in a place when other people leave
Literal meaning: To stay (remain) behind when others move forward or leave
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To remain in a place after everyone else has left
"The teacher asked three students to stay behind after the lesson."
2 A2 neutral
To choose not to go with a group, remaining in the original location
"Most of the team went to the conference, but he decided to stay behind and watch the office."
Usage notes
Very common in everyday English. Often used in school contexts (asked to stay behind after class), workplace settings, and social situations. Implies a contrast with a group of people who have departed.
Commonly used with
class school meeting office party after
Forms
Base
stay behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stays behind
he/she/it
Past simple
stayed behind
yesterday
Past participle
stayed behind
have + pp
-ing form
staying behind
continuous
Understand "stay behind" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "stay behind" on Looplines