1 B1 neutral
to move behind someone or something, often at some distance
"The youngest child trailed behind the rest of the family."
inseparable
trail behind
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
to come after someone or something at a distance or lower level
In plain English
be behind someone or something
What does "trail behind" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to be behind others in score, progress, or performance
"By halftime, our team was trailing behind by ten points."
inseparable
Usage tip
Used literally for movement and figuratively for scores, progress, or rankings.
Words that pair with "trail behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
leader pack team competitors parents group
How to conjugate "trail behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trail behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trails behind
he/she/it
Past simple
trailed behind
yesterday
Past participle
trailed behind
have + pp
-ing form
trailing behind
continuous
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