background document

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "background document" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a document that provides information about the history or context of a particular topic or subject. Example: "Before making any decisions, be sure to read the background document which outlines the company's financial performance over the past five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A detailed account of the comparison with literature data is presented in the scientific background document.

Nature

This background document is written to give an overall understanding of the CENELEC wind load model to EOL engineers.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

In a background document to Japan's proposal, the country expresses frustration that the IWC had become "a mere forum of confrontation".

The Guardian

Groot GD, Oomen A, Mennen M. Evaluation of health risks of playing sports on synthetic turf pitches with rubber granulate – Scientific background document.

Nature

A background document issued by Mr. Rock's department said that in the telecommunications industry, capital "is not easy to come by" after the dot-com crash and recent problems in the sector.

The New York Times

In 1986, the Conseil, at the request of the then Minister of Higher Education and Science, produced an interesting background document to examine the organization of S&T policy in Quebec (Conseil de la science et de la technologie, 1986).

Nature

A detailed account of the methodology and results is published in the scientific background document of the RIVM report 'Evaluation of health risks of playing sports on synthetic turf pitches STPs with rubber granulateʼ.

Nature

Finally, the judge found, Maximus did not disclose in a background document it submitted to the city that "it was the subject of a criminal investigation in regards to its actions to obtain a contract in the State of West Virginia".

The New York Times

Teachers also refer often to a topic-specific content and pedagogical content background document.

International Journal of STEM Education

On the one hand, this is a content background document that is matched to the student and teacher science learning goals in the STeLLA program.

International Journal of STEM Education

In both fields RBC Elbe has not presented own initiatives, neither in the background document [10] nor in the RBMP [4].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing a "background document", provide a clear link or citation for easy access. This ensures your audience can readily verify the information.

Common error

Avoid using "background document" interchangeably with "background information". A "background document" is a specific, self-contained resource, while "background information" is a broader concept encompassing various sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background document" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It names a specific type of document that provides context and supporting information. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is commonly used. This function is consistent across examples, where the phrase refers to a tangible document.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "background document" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a document providing context and supplementary information on a particular topic. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to inform the audience by presenting the background necessary for understanding a certain subject. Its usage spans various fields, including science, news and media, and formal business settings, though its register tends toward professional or formal. When using this phrase, ensure the referenced document is readily accessible and distinct from general "background information". Alternatives include "background paper" or "briefing document", depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

background paperwork

Replaces 'document' with a more informal term, specifying the type of document.

background documentation

Substitutes 'document' with a broader term, suggesting a collection of documents.

background material

Replaces 'document' with a broader term encompassing various informational resources.

ground document

Focuses on the foundational nature of the document.

background text

Highlights the textual component of the document, potentially as opposed to images or data.

context document

Emphasizes that the document provides context.

background evidence

Highlights the evidentiary role of the document.

background documentary

Similar to 'background document' but indicates that the document in question is a documentary in nature.

knowledge document

Emphasizes the informational content of the document.

origin document

Similar to 'background document' but indicates that the document in question is the original version.

FAQs

How is a "background document" typically used?

A "background document" is typically used to provide context, history, or supporting information for a specific topic, proposal, or decision-making process. It's often distributed before a meeting or presentation to ensure everyone has a common base of knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "background document"?

You can use alternatives like "background paper", "briefing document", or "information sheet" depending on the specific context and purpose of the document.

What is the difference between "background document" and a "white paper"?

While both provide in-depth information, a "white paper" is often more persuasive and presents a specific solution or viewpoint. A "background document" is generally more neutral and focuses on providing factual context.

Where can I find reliable "background documents" on a specific topic?

Reliable "background documents" can often be found on government websites, academic institutions' websites, and reputable news organizations' websites. Be sure to verify the source's credibility before relying on the information.