trail behind
To increase or to succeed at a rate lower thanTo increase or to succeed at a rate lower than (something else).
» The queen’s gown trailed behind her like a river of silk.
Meaning
2 senses(transitive)To increase or to succeed at a rate lower than (something else).
Tech stocks trailed behind the overall market today.
(transitive)To follow (someone) slowly, usually surreptitiously.
Examples
8 sentencesThe queen’s gown trailed behind her like a river of silk.
The comet leaves a trail of light behind it as it moves.
Benedito hiked up a steep mountain trail with his billy goat trailing behind.
Anna quickly scrambled out of the bath, leaving a trail of water behind her.
Rather than trailing behind me with your passive-aggressive remarks, explore activities that foster personal growth and positivity.
Forms
trails behind, trailing behind, trailed behind, trailed behind| Base form | trail behind · to trail behind |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | trails behind |
| Present participle | trailing behind |
| Past simple | trailed behind |
| Past participle | trailed behind |
irregular
Lessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle