Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
as a common background
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as a common background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a shared context or setting that is familiar to a group of people. Example: "In our discussions about cultural differences, we often refer to history as a common background that shapes our perspectives."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
DNA from one filter was used as a common background, to which varying quantities of fragmented S. aureus DNA were added.
Science
For comparisons of MeSHOPs across categories, as will follow, we select the universal background as a common background for all entities being compared.
Science
The videos were recorded at a resolution of 180 by 144 pixels at 50 frames per second, and each of the videos had the same wall as a common background.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The SCID (Severe Combine Immuno Deficiency) mouse model has been extensively used as a common background-strain in many immunology and transplantation studies.
When my wife, Martha, recites the names of her grandparents to curious Icelandic strangers, they nod appreciatively and wrinkle their brows, rather as someone might who shares a common background in a small town in Wisconsin: if I don't know them, I know folks all around them.
News & Media
As sequences were spiked into a common background reference, successful differential expression analysis should only identify the spike-in sequences as differentially expressed.
Science
By regression of the mRNA expression levels of the B-cell specific differentially expressed genes versus sample purity under the assumption of a common background as intercept and gene-individual slopes, the IDL was determined for both technologies.
Science
On the other hand, recombination can be suppressed at an introgression event when parts of a distantly related genome are backcrossed into a common background as happens when plant breeding directs the selection of a gene from a wild relative into a cultivated background.
Science
In a sense, this label was a common background for many of the clusters, as well as a major goal of the resultant questionnaire.
It's not so much about the playing as about being with friends with a common background.
News & Media
PWM score thresholds for initial MATCH searches were adjusted to a common background frequency as baseline.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "as a common background", ensure the shared context is clear to your audience. Provide enough information for readers to understand the specific elements that constitute the common background.
Common error
Avoid assuming everyone shares the same understanding or interpretation of the "common background". Be specific and avoid generalizations that might exclude or misrepresent certain groups or individuals.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "as a common background" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb. It often introduces or describes a shared context, history, or set of experiences that different entities have in common. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating this usage.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "as a common background" is a prepositional phrase used to highlight shared contexts, histories, or experiences. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in both scientific and news contexts. When using "as a common background", be sure the commonality is clearly defined to avoid assumptions or generalizations. Alternatives include phrases like "with a shared history" or "with a mutual understanding". Remember to clarify the elements of the "common background" to ensure inclusivity and avoid excluding specific individuals or groups.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
with a shared history
Focuses on the historical aspect of the shared background.
sharing a similar heritage
Highlights the heritage or cultural aspect of the shared background.
with a mutual understanding
Emphasizes the shared understanding that arises from a common background.
having similar experiences
Stresses the experiential aspect of a common background.
from the same origin
Highlights the origin or source as a common factor.
sharing common roots
Emphasizes the foundational aspects of the shared background.
with a shared foundation
Highlights the foundational knowledge or values that are shared.
having parallel experiences
Indicates that experiences are similar, without necessarily originating from the same background.
with converging pathways
Suggests a similarity in the trajectory or path, implying a shared background.
sharing a cultural identity
Focuses specifically on the cultural aspects of a shared background.
FAQs
How can I use "as a common background" in a sentence?
You can use "as a common background" to describe a shared history, culture, or set of experiences. For example, "They found common ground in their shared immigrant experiences, using their history "as a common background" for building community."
What is an alternative to "as a common background"?
Alternatives include phrases like "with a shared history", "sharing a similar heritage", or "with a mutual understanding", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.
Is it always necessary to explicitly state "as a common background"?
No, sometimes the common background is implied or understood from the context. Explicitly stating it is useful when you want to highlight the shared context or explain its importance.
What are some potential pitfalls when using "as a common background"?
One potential pitfall is assuming everyone shares the same interpretation of that "common background". Always be mindful of diverse perspectives and avoid generalizations.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested