behind the building

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe the location of something or someone situated at the back or rear side of a structure. It is highly common in daily conversations when giving directions, locating a parking spot, or meeting up with someone. The tone is completely neutral and practical.

Examples

• You can park your car behind the building where it's quieter.

  You can park your car behind the building where it's quieter.

• The recycling bins are located right behind the building, next to the alley.

  The recycling bins are located right behind the building, next to the alley.

• We decided to have our lunch break on the benches behind the building.

  We decided to have our lunch break on the benches behind the building.

• I'll meet you behind the building near the loading dock in five minutes.

  I'll meet you behind the building near the loading dock in five minutes.

• There is a small community garden hidden behind the building.

  There is a small community garden hidden behind the building.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The car is parked at the behind of the building.

  ✓ The car is parked behind the building.

  Behind is a preposition and does not need "at the" or "of" when pointing directly to an object.

• ✗ He is waiting in the back of the building.

  ✓ He is waiting behind the building.

  "In the back of the building" usually means inside the building, near the rear wall. Use "behind the building" for the outside rear area.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If the front parking lot is full, you can always try the one ___.

  💡 at the rear side of the structure

  Show answer

  behind the building

• They smoke their cigarettes ___ so the boss doesn't see them.

  💡 out of sight at the back

  Show answer

  behind the building