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walk behind

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To walk at the back, behind someone else.

Literal meaning: To walk in the space behind someone — entirely transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To walk in a position at the back of or following another person or group.

"The children were told to walk behind the teacher in a neat line."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 formal

To walk behind someone as a sign of respect or lower rank, especially in formal processions.

"By tradition, other members of the royal family walk behind the monarch during the ceremony."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Mostly literal and transparent. Occasionally used in cultural or historical contexts where walking behind someone has a symbolic meaning (e.g., indicating lower status or respect in certain traditions).

Commonly used with

someone group leader procession crowd

Forms

Base
walk behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
walks behind
he/she/it
Past simple
walked behind
yesterday
Past participle
walked behind
have + pp
-ing form
walking behind
continuous

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Synonyms

follow trail bring up the rear walk after come behind

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