background on the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "background on the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing context or information about a specific topic or problem being discussed. Example: "Before we dive into the debate, let's first establish some background on the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So far so normal, perhaps, in this long running, acrimonious dispute between these love-hate neighbors over a clutch of small, craggy islands in the East China Sea (for background on the issue, see this post by my colleague Mark McDonald).

The New York Times

First, some background on the issue.

Huffington Post

11 30 a.m.: This post was updated with additional comments and reaction to the proposals, as well as more background on the issue.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Mr. Cheney must stay in the background on this issue, the lobbyist said, because he has been tarnished by the Securities and Exchange Commission investigation of accounting practices at the Halliburton Company, the oil services giant where he was chief executive.

The New York Times

(For more background on the issues at stake, see this commentary by Mr. Gensler).

The New York Times

You may need to provide information on the setting or time period in which the film takes place, background on the issues that the film addresses, or the cultural context in which the film was made.

Huffington Post

About the online version of 'The State of the World's Children' The online State of the World's Children 2006 features profiles of eight excluded and invisible children, incorporating Flash and video; background on the issues that affect them; statistics, charts and graphs in customizable or downloadable formats; access to the full text of the print version in PDF; and more.

Unicef

Mr. Chiluba is, for now at least, trying to melt into the background on this issue, leaving it to his party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, to make the case for a third term, and portray it as a push from below.

The New York Times

But during the Clinton presidency, Mr. Gephardt often stayed in the background on this issue rather than confront a Democratic president.

The New York Times

Click here for more background on this issue, and the importance of disclosing potential conflicts of interest ahead of time if credibility and impact are goals.

The New York Times

Get the background on this issue and send a message to your legislators in Springfield, Gov. Pat Quinn and the four leaders of the General Assembly with our Sound Off tool.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the "background on the issue" section clearly and concisely presents all necessary contextual information for the reader to understand the topic fully. This includes historical context, key definitions, and relevant stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid providing excessive or overly technical background information that may overwhelm or confuse your audience. Tailor the level of detail to their existing knowledge and understanding of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background on the issue" serves as a noun phrase functioning as an appositive or prepositional complement. It identifies the provision of contextual information necessary for understanding a specific problem or topic. Ludwig AI shows several examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "background on the issue" is a commonly used phrase to introduce or provide context on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure the background information is tailored to your audience and provides a clear, concise overview of the topic at hand. Alternatives include "context of the matter" and "overview of the topic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

context on the issue

Focuses specifically on the surrounding circumstances and information.

background to the issue

Uses 'to' instead of 'on', slightly altering the prepositional relationship.

knowledge on the issue

Emphasizes possessing understanding rather than simply providing context.

information on the matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter", broadening the scope slightly.

history of the issue

Focuses specifically on the historical development of the issue.

overview of the issue

Implies a summary or general understanding is being provided.

details regarding the issue

Highlights specific pieces of information rather than general context.

elaboration on the issue

Suggests further explanation of existing information.

insight into the issue

Suggests a deeper understanding or perspective.

the ins and outs of the issue

Implies a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "background on the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "background on the issue" to introduce or provide context about a particular subject. For example: "Let's start by providing some background on the issue before we discuss potential solutions."

What's a more formal way to say "background on the issue"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "context of the matter" or "overview of the topic".

What kind of information should I include when giving "background on the issue"?

Include relevant historical context, key definitions, significant events, and important stakeholders related to the issue. Ensure the information is accurate and unbiased.

Is it always necessary to provide "background on the issue"?

Providing "background on the issue" is often helpful, especially when the topic is complex or unfamiliar to the audience. It sets the stage for a better understanding of the subsequent discussion or analysis.