Back Forty

A2 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /bæk ˈfɔːrti/

Definitions of back forty

noun a large, undeveloped area of land typically located behind a farm or rural property

Example Sentences

A1 My grandparents have a small garden in the back forty of their property.

A2 The farmer grows corn in the back forty of his land.

B1 The children loved playing hide and seek in the back forty behind the barn.

B2 The back forty is where the old oak tree stands tall and provides shade for picnics.

C1 The back forty of the estate is reserved for wildlife conservation and hiking trails.

C2 The back forty is a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Examples of back forty in a Sentence

formal The farmer owns a large back forty where he grows crops and raises livestock.

informal Let's take a walk out to the back forty and enjoy the fresh air.

slang I heard there's a hidden swimming hole out in the back forty.

figurative Exploring the back forty of his mind, he discovered hidden talents he never knew he had.

Grammatical Forms of back forty

past tense

back fortyed

plural

back forties

comparative

more back forty

superlative

most back forty

present tense

backs forty

future tense

will back forty

perfect tense

have backed forty

continuous tense

back fortying

singular

back forty

positive degree

back forty

infinitive

to back forty

gerund

back fortying

participle

back fortyed

Origin and Evolution of back forty

First Known Use: 1850 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'back forty' originated in rural America, specifically in farming communities.
Evolution of the word: Originally, the 'back forty' referred to the farthest and often less productive section of a farm, typically located in the back of the property. Over time, the term has evolved to represent any remote or less frequently visited area, not limited to farms.