a range of backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a range of backgrounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety of different experiences, cultures, or educational histories of individuals or groups. Example: "The conference attracted participants from a range of backgrounds, including academia, industry, and non-profit organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Phoenix attracts audiences from a range of backgrounds.

The Guardian

Their authors represented a range of backgrounds and sensibilities.

The New York Times - Books

Our students represent a range of backgrounds and interests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Activists from a range of backgrounds – Jewish, Muslim, atheist, socialist – organised together.

The Guardian - Opinion

We asked journal editors from a range of backgrounds for their tips on getting published.

The Guardian

Our members of staff increasingly come from a range of backgrounds and cultures.

The Guardian

Members of the Fezziwigs share their passion for Dickens from a range of backgrounds.

The New York Times

This is reflected in the Visionari group, which is intergenerational and represents a range of backgrounds.

The Guardian

I was looking for students who represented a range of backgrounds, personalities, looks and so on.

The New York Times

Session leaders come to the conversations with a range of backgrounds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Many small businesses are therefore keen to recruit staff from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group, use "a range of backgrounds" to emphasize inclusivity and diversity in experiences, education, and cultures.

Common error

Instead of just stating "a range of backgrounds", specify the types of backgrounds (e.g., "a range of educational and professional backgrounds") to provide more meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a range of backgrounds" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe a group or set of people. It indicates diversity in experiences, education, and origins. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and common occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a range of backgrounds" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe diversity within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase to highlight varied experiences, origins, and perspectives. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. Alternatives like ""diverse backgrounds"" and ""varied backgrounds"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, be specific when possible to provide more context, and use it to emphasize inclusivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse backgrounds

This alternative emphasizes the variety and difference in people's origins and experiences.

varied backgrounds

Focuses on the different types of experiences and origins individuals or groups possess.

assorted backgrounds

Suggests a collection of different backgrounds, implying a mix of origins.

a spectrum of backgrounds

Emphasizes the continuous variation of backgrounds, like colors in a spectrum.

a multitude of backgrounds

Highlights the numerous and diverse origins and past experiences.

heterogeneous backgrounds

More formal term indicating a lack of uniformity in people's origins.

eclectic mix of backgrounds

Implies a carefully selected and interesting combination of various origins.

a patchwork of backgrounds

Suggests backgrounds are pieced together from different places and experiences.

mixed bag of backgrounds

Informal way to say there's a varied and somewhat random assortment of origins.

an array of backgrounds

Implies a wide and impressive display of diverse origins and experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "a range of backgrounds" in a sentence?

You can use "a range of backgrounds" to describe a diverse group of people, as in: "The team consists of individuals from "a range of backgrounds", contributing diverse perspectives."

What can I say instead of "a range of backgrounds"?

You can use alternatives like "diverse backgrounds", "varied backgrounds", or "assorted backgrounds" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a range of backgrounds" or "diverse backgrounds"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""diverse backgrounds"" often implies a focus on differences, while ""a range of backgrounds"" can emphasize the breadth and variety within a group.

What does it mean when someone says a group has "a range of backgrounds"?

It means the group members come from different educational, cultural, professional, or personal experiences, adding unique perspectives and skills.