a background of conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a background of conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, setting, or context where conflict is a significant element or influence. Example: "The novel is set against a background of conflict, exploring the struggles between the two rival factions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"South Africa has a background of conflict and instability and violence," Mr. Cronje said.

The New York Times

"I think, in Medellín, it was the first time people from a background of conflict were brought together, and it was football that did it," he said.

Huffington Post

NAIROBI/ GENEVA, 28 October 2011 – One hundred days since famine was declared in parts of southern Somalia, UNICEF and its partners are doing their utmost to prevent a second and potentially more devastating wave of deaths from disease against a background of conflict.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It will be a struggle to get an education against a background of war, conflict and being refugees far from home.

BBC

His first years in Test cricket were played against a background of growing social conflict in India.

BBC

Her production transports the action from the siege of Troy and sets it against a background of Maori tribal conflict in the period before European contact.

BBC

The so-called Roaring Twenties and the decade thereafter in many ways together bear a remarkably identical resemblance to our era: technologically, financially, business-wise and socially for instance, against a background of severe international conflict.

TechCrunch

TA's approach comes out of a background of recent controversy and conflict over bike lanes in the city: they've been very successful in boosting the number of people using bikes; but while public opinion polls show majority approval, the new infrastructure has not delighted all New Yorkers.

The Guardian

All of this is set against a background of brewing scandals, myriad conflicts of interest, the gleeful humiliation of longstanding foes, and a President-elect who refuses to show even a measure of curiosity about the possibility that Russian intelligence agencies meddled in a national election.

The New Yorker

The couple are also working on a film version of The Trojan Women set against the background of conflict in the Middle East, possibly the Syrian war, with the UN security council as the Greek gods.

The Guardian

ITV has to try to reconcile these conflicting objectives against a background of a dominant plc company seeking to strip out cost and eliminate the duplication of production resource.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a background of conflict", ensure that the conflict is indeed a contextual element rather than the central focus. This phrase is most effective when the conflict influences or sets the stage for other events.

Common error

Avoid using "a background of conflict" if the conflict is the primary subject. This phrase should be reserved for scenarios where the conflict provides context, not when it is the main event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a background of conflict" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, often describing the setting or environment in which an event occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a background of conflict" is a phrase used to describe a setting or environment where conflict serves as a significant contextual element. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it is relatively rare. The phrase finds usage across news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using it, ensure that the conflict truly functions as context, rather than the main focus. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the expression, and alternative phrasing such as ""a history of conflict"" or ""an environment of conflict"" can offer nuanced substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a history of conflict

Focuses on the past occurrences of conflict rather than the current context.

a context of strife

Uses 'strife' to emphasize the struggle and discord in the situation.

an environment of conflict

Highlights the surroundings and conditions where conflict is prevalent.

a climate of discord

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and harmony in the atmosphere.

a setting of antagonism

Uses 'antagonism' to suggest active hostility and opposition.

a backdrop of warfare

Specifically refers to armed conflict and war as the contextual element.

a foundation of disputes

Highlights how disagreements form the basis of ongoing issues.

a landscape of battles

Presents a more metaphorical view of frequent struggles.

a period of unrest

Focuses on turmoil and disturbance, whether or not it includes active conflict.

an atmosphere of tension

Stresses the strained and uneasy feelings present.

FAQs

How can I use "a background of conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "a background of conflict" to describe a setting or situation where conflict is a contributing or contextual element. For example, "The negotiations took place against "a background of conflict" between the two nations".

What are some alternatives to "a background of conflict"?

Alternatives include "a history of conflict", "a context of strife", or "an environment of conflict", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a background of conflict" in formal writing?

Yes, "a background of conflict" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and relatively neutral expression. However, ensure it accurately reflects the relationship between the conflict and the main subject.

What is the difference between "a background of conflict" and "a state of conflict"?

"A background of conflict" implies that conflict is a contextual element influencing other events, while "a state of conflict" suggests that conflict is the primary and dominant condition.