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on the back vs at the back

Both "on the back" and "at the back" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On the back" is used when something is physically located on the surface of the back, while "at the back" is used to indicate a position further back in a space or a line.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1681 views

on the back

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "on the back" when referring to something that is physically located on the surface of the back, such as a sticker on the back of a book.

Examples:

  • There is a logo on the back of the shirt.
  • She placed a note on the back of the photograph.
  • The instructions are on the back of the packaging.
  • There is a stain on the back of the chair.
  • He has a tattoo on the back of his neck.
  • So I wrote it on the back.
  • And bruising on the back and sides of his neck.
  • There are more weapons here on the back.
  • Some chrome work, put a spoiler on the back.
  • Pat yourself on the back later.
  • They'll be slapping each other on the back, celebrating the victory.
  • His phone number's on the back.
  • Probably the same person who scratched out this engraving on the back.
  • Our number's on the back, in pencil.
  • My home number is on the back.
  • There's a switch on the back.
  • I wrote a little note on the back.
  • Your picture is on the back.
  • They forced the latch on the back door open.
  • Your picture's on the back.
  • My father had it inscribed on the back.
  • We believe that there's an... encryption on the back.
  • No, I just looked on the back.
  • The lock on the back door was very flimsy.
  • He's been here at seven every morning working on the back nine.

Alternatives:

  • on the rear
  • on the posterior
  • on the reverse side

at the back

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "at the back" when referring to a position further back in a space or a line, such as standing at the back of a room or sitting at the back of a bus.

Examples:

  • She is sitting at the back of the classroom.
  • The VIP section is at the back of the theater.
  • Please wait at the back of the line.
  • The parking lot is at the back of the building.
  • The kitchen is at the back of the house.
  • There's a bio at the back.
  • The servants' and tradesmen's entrance is at the back.
  • I can see exactly what you're doing at the back.
  • I took a desk at the back because it was empty.
  • The advantage of being sat at the back.
  • They were darkest at the back, not the front.
  • Pick up your backpack and meet grandma at the back door.
  • One of you young guys at the back.
  • And at the back, there was Jeremy's creation.
  • I think we're at the back.
  • There was a door at the back.
  • We have some merch at the back, so...
  • Bravo One, I'm at the back.
  • First floor, room at the back.
  • And there's free food at the back.
  • There's a small yard at the back with a low fence.
  • The girls at the back may sit up on their desks.
  • There, at the back, one with elephant legs.
  • I'll just sit at the back and observe.
  • See him at the back with the blonde... Albert Einstein.

Alternatives:

  • in the rear
  • in the posterior
  • in the backmost position

Related Comparisons

on the terminal vs in the terminal in the race vs on the race at the race vs on the race sat upon the back of the beast vs upon the beast's back in the back vs at the back

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