back in the background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back in the background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is not in the foreground or main focus, but still present or relevant in a situation. Example: "While the main event was happening, the music played back in the background, creating a pleasant atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

What once was a laid-back, play-in-the-background situation is now a live experience.

TechCrunch

Was it because she played "Simply the Best" and "Won't Back Down" in the background?

Huffington Post

They have people who wave their hands back and forth in the background.

The New Yorker

England beating France in Paris and winning the grand slam – 19 March 560mm lens (400mm + 1.4 converter) 1/1600 f4 ISO 4000 As the referee blows the final whistle on their Six Nations campaign George Kruis, centre, bellows in celebration while some of the England backs dance around in the background.

The Guardian - Sport

And don't give me the old saw about Grandma needing a back-up solution: if you love grandma, you buy her a USB drive and run the built-in Windows or Mac back-up systems in the background.

TechCrunch

It's a deft narrative stroke via which O'Kelly moves directly into the failing heart of the Rising on Easter weekend 1916, and then doubles back again to fill in the background leading up to the insurrection.

The Guardian

The children were equally likely to help if they'd seen photos with the single doll, the back-to-back dolls, or the blocks in the background.

University of California, Berkeley

Back in the 1990s, against a background of Islamist political groups testing their strength across North Africa, the military-backed authorities in Algeria at first permitted the Islamists to play a full part in the nation's political life.

BBC

She stands on a skateboard preparing to be whisked sideways by the wires attached to her back, while the wolf snarls in the background.

The Guardian - Music

These services usually back up your data continuously in the background.

TechCrunch

"We did put a bid in, but it was knocked back, but we worked hard in the background to try to bring him in, so I'm very, very pleased," said Lennon.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back in the background" to subtly indicate something's past relevance or its continued but less prominent presence.

Common error

Avoid using "back in the background" in highly formal writing where more precise or descriptive language might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in the background" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or describe a state of being. It indicates a location or situation that is not in the primary focus, and often implies a previous state of greater prominence.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back in the background" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that has receded from prominence but remains present. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while grammatically correct, its usage is infrequent, as demonstrated by the lack of examples. The phrase is best suited for neutral to informal contexts, where it subtly conveys a shift in focus or importance. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "in the distance" or "behind the scenes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the distant background

Emphasizes the spatial distance of something in the background.

relegated to the background

Indicates a deliberate act of pushing something into the background.

out of focus

Suggests a lack of clarity or importance.

in the shadows

Implies secrecy or obscurity.

behind the scenes

Refers to actions or events that are not publicly visible.

subtly present

Highlights the understated nature of something's presence.

inconspicuously located

Focuses on the unobtrusive positioning of something.

quietly situated

Emphasizes the peaceful and unassuming nature of something's location.

remotely positioned

Stresses the physical distance and isolation.

lying dormant

Suggests inactivity or a state of being hidden or undeveloped.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "back in the background" in a sentence?

Use "back in the background" to describe something that was once more prominent but has receded in importance or visibility. For example, "Although the initial excitement faded, the idea remained "in the background", ready to be revisited."

What are some alternatives to "back in the background" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "in the distance", "behind the scenes", or "out of focus".

Is "back in the background" considered formal or informal language?

"Back in the background" leans toward informal usage. In formal contexts, consider more precise and descriptive alternatives.

What's the difference between "in the background" and "back in the background"?

"In the background" simply indicates something is not the main focus. "Back in the background" suggests something was once more prominent but has since become less so.