background for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "background for" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to explain the underlying context of a situation or story. For example, "This essay provides a detailed background for the recent protests in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mossberg credits his background for his outlook.

The New Yorker

Was that important background for your work?

The New York Times

There was no background for it".

The New York Times

The background for both spreads is yellow.

The New Yorker

Here's a little more background for you.

Harvard Business Review

Background for... with the same result.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Image with explanatory background for extra cost.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The background for the procedure is given.

Marine Structures

The background for the deviations is explained.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Mr. O'Neill has an unusual background for an automobile executive.

The New York Times

I had an appalling, catastrophic background for someone like Stanley".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "background for" when introducing essential context, history, or rationale needed to understand a topic fully. This phrase sets the stage for deeper analysis or comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "background for" in extremely casual conversations where simpler terms like "reason" or "context" might suffice. Overusing formal phrasing can make your communication sound unnatural or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces essential context or explanatory information. It connects a subject with the necessary underlying details required for understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to explain the underlying context of a situation or story.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "background for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces essential context or explanatory information. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is typically used to explain the underlying context of a situation or story. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, "background for" serves to clarify and contextualize information, enabling a deeper understanding of the subject. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in very informal settings. Common alternatives include "context for", "rationale for", and "basis for". Understanding its function and register ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

context for

Replaces "background" with "context", emphasizing the surrounding circumstances.

rationale for

Substitutes "background" with "rationale", highlighting the reasons or justification.

basis for

Uses "basis" instead of "background", focusing on the foundation or underlying principle.

foundation for

Similar to "basis for", but emphasizes a more structural or fundamental support.

underlying reason for

Expands "background" to explicitly state "underlying reason", clarifying the causal aspect.

preliminary information for

Replaces "background" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the introductory nature of the information.

introductory details for

Similar to "preliminary information for", but focuses on the details provided as an introduction.

historical context of

Highlights the historical aspect of the background, making it specific to historical events.

the story behind

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the narrative aspect of the background.

circumstances surrounding

Focuses on the events or situations that are connected to and explain something.

FAQs

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

Use "background for" to introduce information that provides context or explains the reasons behind something. For example, "This report provides the necessary "background for" understanding the current economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "background for"?

You can use alternatives like "context for", "rationale for", or "basis for" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "background for" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "background for" when providing explanatory information that is essential for understanding a particular subject, event, or process. This is common in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "background for" and "context of"?

"Background for" often implies a more detailed or historical explanation, while "context of" refers more broadly to the circumstances or setting surrounding an event or situation.