background evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "background evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or data that provides context or support for a particular argument or claim. Example: "The background evidence presented in the report helps to clarify the reasons behind the observed trends in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Publishing more of the background evidence it is working with would surely help.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Sweden, software has been developed to allow high-speed comparison of pictures to help determine the photo's age and to cross-reference background evidence.

The New York Times

While Icai cannot be held entirely responsible for this media reaction, it did oversimplify the story and the background evidence; and exceeded its own terms of reference by making a strong policy case rather than carefully assessing alternatives.

The Guardian

Both sides have begun the process of gathering background evidence on Mr. Strauss-Kahn and the housekeeper, who said Mr. Strauss-Kahn attacked her May 14 after she entered his room at the Sofitel New York to clean it.

The New York Times

Mr. Antonioni is probably best known for "Blowup," a 1966 drama set in swinging London about a fashion photographer who comes to believe that a picture he took of two lovers in a public park also shows, obscured in the background, evidence of a murder.

The New York Times

The background evidence for this approach is limited.

Clinical Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We describe the background, evidence-based changes, and testing, scale-up, and spread strategy that are part of the design of the Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative.

Healthcare

This asymmetry has a cultural background, evidenced in other similar monuments and may also be related to the orientation of Menga, traditionally set to a nearby geographical feature but also oriented to a certain chamber lighting during the summer solstice.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Against this background, evidence-based E&H decision-making needs to be understood as a process with multiple sources of information and research evidence.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

In contrast, microspores with more than the expected number of GFP signals were never observed in diploids, indicating that their presence in the tetraploid background evidences gametophytic aneuploidy (Fig.  4b), most likely caused by defects in meiotic chromosome segregation.

BMC Plant Biology

Many of those who were remanded for trial appeared to come from just those kinds of backgrounds — evidence, as some commentators saw it, that the root causes of the disorders lay in social deprivation and despair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "background evidence", ensure it directly relates to the point you're making. Irrelevant details can weaken your argument.

Common error

Don't let "background evidence" overshadow the main argument. It's there to support, not to distract. Ensure your primary points remain the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies information that provides context or substantiates a claim. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in academic, news, and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "background evidence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe information that provides context or support for a claim. While Ludwig indicates it's relatively rare, its presence in academic, news, and legal contexts suggests a formal register. Using "background evidence" effectively involves ensuring its direct relevance to the main point and avoiding its overuse to prevent overshadowing the primary argument. Alternatives like "supporting information" or "contextual data" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting information

Emphasizes the supportive role of the information.

relevant details

Highlights the importance and pertinence of the details.

contextual data

Focuses on data that provides context, rather than evidence specifically.

substantiating facts

Emphasizes the role of facts in confirming or proving something.

underlying facts

Highlights the factual basis that supports a claim.

ancillary information

Indicates information that is supplementary or auxiliary.

historical context

Specifies that the context is historical, narrowing the scope.

foundational research

Emphasizes the research that builds foundation of the context

preliminary data

Suggests the data is initial or early-stage.

circumstantial evidence

Implies indirect evidence that suggests a fact by implication.

FAQs

How can I effectively integrate "background evidence" into my writing?

Introduce "background evidence" to provide context and support your main points. Ensure it's relevant and clearly linked to your argument for maximum impact.

What are some alternatives to "background evidence"?

You can use alternatives like "supporting information", "contextual data", or "relevant details", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "background evidence" the same as circumstantial evidence?

While both provide support, "background evidence" offers general context, while "circumstantial evidence" suggests a fact indirectly. They aren't interchangeable in legal or investigative contexts.

Can I use "background evidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "background evidence" is suitable for formal writing. Ensure that the evidence is credible and properly cited to maintain professionalism.