against the background of

USAGE SUMMARY

"against the background of" is an expression that is commonly used in written English.
It implies the occurrence of an event taking place in the context of a certain setting or situation. For example, "Against the background of rising unemployment, the government is looking to implement a new job creation scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This data is discussed against the background of existing information.

Archives of Oral Biology

Against the background of the domestic turmoil in Egypt, Brig.

The New York Times

It is a thriller played against the background of a real estate crisis.

Columbia University

The political maneuvering has played out against the background of an economy that is languishing.

Columbia University

Giotto's commissions are best understood against the background of this social turmoil.

Harvard University

This book discusses sharecropping in the Yemen against the background of Islamic law and customary law.

Stanford University

Osborne's speech also comes against the background of two key letters today.

The Guardian

Against the background of the office various things are seen sharply, in outline.

The New Yorker

His stationery was emblazoned with his initials set against the background of a golden eagle.

The New York Times

The story is set against the background of Princeton's neo-Gothic eating clubs and underground passages.

The New York Times

Cricket was once again put into perspective against the background of a nation in despair.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against the background of" to provide essential context that helps your reader understand the full implications of a statement. It's especially useful when discussing events influenced by complex or multifaceted situations.

Common error

Avoid using "against the background of" in contexts where a simpler preposition like "in" or "with" would suffice. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the background of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, providing context or setting for an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression places an event or idea within a broader context. Example: "The story is set against the background of Princeton's neo-Gothic eating clubs and underground passages."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

29%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the background of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish context, enabling a deeper understanding of events and situations. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and highly prevalent across diverse writing styles. Its frequency in News & Media, Academia, and Science underscores its utility in formal and objective communication. While the phrase is valuable, writing guidance suggests avoiding overuse in simplistic contexts. Related phrases like "in light of" and "within the context of" can serve as alternatives depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Against the backdrop of

A synonymous phrase with a slightly more evocative or descriptive tone.

Within the context of

Formal way to introduce the circumstances surrounding an event.

In light of

Focuses on the information available when assessing a situation.

Given

Highlights something that is already known or assumed as a context.

Considering

Emphasizes a more thoughtful evaluation of the surrounding circumstances.

Taking into account

Implies a deliberate process of including relevant factors.

Bearing in mind

Stresses the importance of remembering specific factors.

Based on

Highlights the foundation upon which something is established.

Amidst

Suggests a situation that is actively happening or unfolding.

In the face of

Highlights a challenging or adverse situation.

FAQs

How can I use "against the background of" in a sentence?

Use "against the background of" to introduce the circumstances or context that are relevant to understanding an event or situation. For example, "The negotiations took place against the background of increasing political instability".

What's a simpler way to say "against the background of"?

Depending on the context, you could use simpler alternatives like "in light of", "considering", or "given".

Is "against the background of" formal or informal?

"Against the background of" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal settings.

How does "against the background of" differ from "in light of"?

"Against the background of" emphasizes the surrounding circumstances or setting, while "in light of" focuses more on the information that helps to understand a situation. They are often interchangeable but have subtle differences in emphasis.