Against this background

USAGE SUMMARY

"against this background" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
The phrase is typically used to introduce something that is happening or has happened in relation to the context or situation that has previously been discussed. For example: "Against this background, it is clear that the company needs to review its current staffing levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Against this background the government disintegrated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Against this background, political unrest flourished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Against this background, Dahl's apostasy merits attention.

The New Yorker

Against this background, Southern Cross prospered.

The Guardian - Business

Against this background, what value education, what value culture?

The Guardian

Against this background, there is at least a little realism.

The Guardian

Against this background, Labour's promise is the most promising.

The Guardian - Opinion

Against this background, Laine Hanson represents unbending principle.

The New York Times

Against this background the Tasaday appeared as a godsend.

The Guardian - Books

Against this background, most meals in New Orleans seem celebratory.

The New York Times - Food

Against this background, the new committee's work won't be easy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against this background" to smoothly transition between explaining a situation and introducing a related action, decision, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "against this background" without clearly establishing the 'background' first. Ensure the reader understands the context you're referring to, or the phrase will lack meaning and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against this background" functions as a prepositional phrase, serving as an adverbial adjunct. It modifies a clause by indicating the context or setting in which an action or situation occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "against this background" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely employed to provide context and introduce related information across various domains. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent occurrence in news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives such as "given this context" or "in light of these circumstances" exist, "against this background" remains a clear and effective choice for establishing a contextual framework. As Ludwig AI points out, ensure the 'background' is clearly defined before using the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Given this context

Replaces "against" with "given" and uses "context" instead of "background".

Considering this situation

Emphasizes the situational aspect of the context.

In light of these circumstances

Highlights the specific circumstances influencing the situation.

With this in mind

Shifts focus to a mental consideration of the preceding information.

Bearing this in mind

Similar to "with this in mind" but slightly more formal.

In view of the foregoing

A more formal and legalistic alternative.

Taking this into account

Highlights the act of considering the context.

Based on what has been said

Directly references the preceding statements.

Considering the above

A concise way to refer to the previous context.

Given the preceding information

Similar to "given this context" but more explicit.

FAQs

How can I use "against this background" in a sentence?

Use "against this background" to introduce an event or situation that is directly related to the context you have just described. For example: "The company faced significant financial challenges. "Against this background", the decision to restructure was made."

What phrases are similar to "against this background"?

Similar phrases include "given this context", "in light of these circumstances", or "considering the above". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "against this backdrop" interchangeable with "against this background"?

Yes, "against this backdrop" is often used interchangeably with "against this background". Both phrases serve to provide context or setting for what follows. The choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference.

Can I use "against this background" in formal writing?

Yes, "against this background" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, business, and journalistic contexts to provide context and introduce related information.