For context

USAGE SUMMARY

"for context" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide more information which serves as background to understand the rest of your sentence or statement. Example: The project had many issues, but for context, it was the most ambitious project the company had ever attempted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For context, that's better than Gladiator.

The Guardian - Film

For context, here it is from the film..

The Guardian - Sport

For context, she's also just 31 years old.

Independent

For context, the display will include automotive imagery like design drawings, period advertising and vintage photographs.

The New York Times - Arts

For context: Through the first two periods, the Panthers were outshot 29-10.

The Guardian - Sport

For context, and plenty of other transfixing horseplay besides, it's probably best to see for yourself.

The Guardian - Film

For context, that's after a man walked on the moon and the Beatles had broken up.

The Guardian - Opinion

(For context, the federal deficit was about $1.3 trillion last year).

The New York Times

"For context," he continued, "California uses about forty-four feet of water a year.

The New Yorker

For context, the great Chicago fire of 1871 killed half that many.

The New York Times - Health

For context, some anti-suffrage propaganda is also included: blood-boiling stuff, even now.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for context" to smoothly introduce essential background information that helps your audience understand the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "for context" to introduce information that doesn't directly contribute to the reader's understanding of the main topic; keep the added details relevant and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for context" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used as a sentence adverbial. It serves to signal that the subsequent information is intended to provide necessary background or surrounding circumstances to enhance understanding of the main point. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable when you want to provide more information which serves as background to understand the rest of your sentence or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for context" is a versatile phrase used to introduce background information necessary for understanding a subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. It functions as a prepositional phrase, acting as a sentence adverbial to provide essential explanatory details. To avoid misuse, it's crucial to keep the provided context relevant and concise. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases such as "as background" or "to clarify" to achieve a similar effect. This ensures clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As background

Focuses on providing general background information, similar to setting the stage.

By way of background

More formal; it indicates a deliberate provision of background details.

To provide perspective

Highlights the intention of offering a specific viewpoint or understanding.

For clarification

Directly offers additional details to aid understanding.

As a point of reference

Anchors the discussion by relating it to a known quantity.

In explanation

Emphasizes clarifying a point or situation.

To clarify the situation

Specifically aims to remove ambiguity or confusion.

As an aside

Introduces a related but somewhat tangential piece of information.

To give you some idea

Provides a general sense or impression.

Just so you know

Informal way to insert relevant or helpful information.

FAQs

How can I use "for context" in a sentence?

Use "for context" to introduce background information that is necessary for understanding the main point. For example, "The company's profits declined sharply; "for context", this was during a major economic recession".

What are some alternatives to using "for context"?

You can use alternatives like "as background", "to provide perspective", or "to clarify" depending on the specific situation.

Is it always necessary to use "for context" when providing background information?

No, it's not always necessary. Only use "for context" when you want to explicitly signal to the reader that the following information is essential for understanding the core topic.

What's the difference between "for context" and "by way of background"?

"For context" is a general way to introduce background details, while "by way of background" is a more formal way to indicate that you are deliberately providing background information.