as background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as background" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a history, background, or context of the topic being discussed. For example: "As background, the global economy has been in a period of recession since 2008."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

— but only as background.

The New York Times - Arts

People talk about radio as background music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this was design as background.

The Guardian - Arts

Legions of numbers are laid down as background.

The New York Times - Arts

Is Riggan using it as background music in the show?

The Guardian - Film

It has aged well, despite its reputation as background music.

The New Yorker

"It's the music that you treated as background.

The New Yorker

But it's always been there, as sure as background radiation.

The Guardian - Tech

You should never listen to music as background music.

The Guardian - Music

What books would you recommend as background or supplementary reading?

The New Yorker

I wanted the story to have that as background noise.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as background" to clearly signal that you are providing context or introductory information before delving into the main topic. This helps readers understand the relevance of the information that follows.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "as background". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as background" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing supplementary or contextual information. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to set the stage for a discussion, argument, or narrative. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as background" serves as a useful tool for introducing contextual information and setting the stage for more detailed discussions. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a wide range of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal writing. While very common, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure variety in sentence structure. Alternative phrases such as ""for context"" or ""by way of introduction"" can provide stylistic variation. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "as background" to enhance clarity and reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for context

This is a more concise way of indicating that background information is being provided.

as a preamble

This alternative highlights the introductory nature of the background information.

by way of introduction

This phrase emphasizes the role of providing initial context.

as a preliminary

This highlights the preparatory nature of the information.

to provide perspective

This focuses on giving a broader understanding of the topic.

in preparation

This emphasizes setting up for something that will happen later.

for informational purposes

This alternative emphasizes the information-giving role.

to lay the groundwork

This idiom focuses on building a foundation of understanding.

to set the stage

This idiom is more figurative, suggesting preparation for what follows.

to give the basics

This focuses on conveying fundamental understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "as background" in a sentence?

Use "as background" to introduce information that provides context or explains the circumstances surrounding a particular topic. For example, "As background, the company had been struggling financially for several years."

What phrases are similar to "as background"?

Similar phrases include "for context", "by way of introduction", or "to provide perspective". These phrases all serve to introduce information that helps clarify the main subject.

Is it redundant to say "as background information"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "as background information" can be redundant, as "background" already implies that it is information. Using just "as background" is generally more concise and preferred.

What is the difference between "as background" and "as a result"?

"As background" introduces contextual or explanatory information, while "as a result" indicates a consequence or outcome. They serve very different functions in writing.