against this background that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against this background that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is suitable for introducing a statement that is connected to the context that you have just established, or that you are about to explain. For example, "Against this background, that of an uncertain economic situation, it can be difficult to make sound business decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is against this background that my report is presented.

The Guardian

It was against this background that the hapless Cook unveiled the new iPhones on 10 September.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is against this background that we have to uncover the truth about what happened here".

The Guardian

It is against this background that Nestlé and Kraft have embarked on their ethical crusade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was against this background that The Romans in Britain began rehearsal in September 1980.

The Guardian

It is against this background that one should understand the latest events in Bosnia.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was against this background that he became entangled in the so-called Keating scandal.

The Guardian

It is against this background that Barak's "generous" deal should be seen.

The Guardian

It is against this background that we position the six papers assembled in a special section in Research Policy.

Research Policy

It is against this background that we offer this Preliminary Report on The Women and Men of Harvard Law School.

Harvard University

It is against this background that the Committee's failure to comply with its own rules must be judged.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against this background that" to clearly connect a statement or action to the circumstances that explain or justify it. This helps to provide context and ensures your writing is coherent and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "against this background that" in simple sentences where the context is already obvious. Opt for a more direct phrasing to avoid sounding unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against this background that" functions as a transitional phrase, used to introduce a statement, decision, or action in light of previously mentioned information. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "against this background that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, according to Ludwig AI, that serves to provide context and connect information. It's commonly found in news, scientific writing, and formal business communications. While its frequency suggests broad applicability, it’s best used when establishing clear logical links between ideas. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey—whether it's simply highlighting a present circumstance, or emphasizing a causal relationship. Using this phrase appropriately can significantly improve the coherence and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is in that context

This alternative is more concise and directly points to the preceding context.

in this context that

This alternative is a direct and simple way to refer to the current situation.

against this context that

Uses "context" instead of "background" for a slight shift in emphasis, focusing on the immediate circumstances.

within this context that

Emphasizes the inclusion of the statement within the current situation.

in that context that

A more condensed form that highlights the importance of the context.

under these circumstances that

Focuses on the specific conditions influencing the situation.

it is in this context

More succinct, emphasizing the present situation and its relevance.

against this backdrop that

Uses "backdrop" for a more visual and descriptive sense of the surrounding circumstances.

against that backdrop that

Similar to the above, but referencing a previously established backdrop.

in this context is

Changes the sentence structure slightly to emphasize what "is" relevant within the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "against this background that" to introduce information that is best understood when considering previous events or circumstances. For example, "Against this background, the company decided to invest in new technology".

What phrases are similar to "against this background that"?

Similar phrases include "in this context", "under these circumstances", or "given this situation". They all serve to connect new information with prior context.

Is "against this background that" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "against this background that" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when introducing complex issues that require contextual understanding. However, ensure that its use adds clarity and does not make the writing sound overly complicated.

What's the difference between "against this background that" and "because of this"?

"Against this background that" introduces a broad set of circumstances influencing a situation, while "because of this" indicates a direct causal relationship. The former provides context, the latter implies a consequence.