background to the request

USAGE SUMMARY

"background to the request" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the context or the circumstances that caused a request to be made in the first place. For example: "The human resources department provided background to the request for additional vacation time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan)., another committee member, said he had raised concerns about Jackson's lack of management background to the White House and requested to speak with Chief of Staff John F. Kelly on the matter.

The Washington Post

The background to my request was the racist apartheid government of South Africa, which was still in power at the time.

Huffington Post

He told a press conference that "a few foreign intelligence agencies have cleared all the passengers"., but went on to say a few countries had yet to reply to the request for background checks.

The Guardian

Facilitators were present in the background to offer support when requested.

F1000Research

She has a culinary staff of 35 from diverse backgrounds catering to the special requests of patients, particularly the younger ones, who come to the renowned cancer center from around the globe.

The New York Times

Download requests are processed in the background, and when they are complete, a link to the requested data files is provided in a new browser window.

BMC Genomics

I had never met him before, but because of our overlapping networks and his intriguing professional background, I accepted the request.

Forbes

Until recently, it was considered bad form to ask a prospective senior executive to agree to a background check, a request that requires the signed consent of the candidate.

The New York Times

According to the FBI, background checks, which are conducted at the request of licensed firearm dealers and retailers when they make sales, dropped from 3.3 million in December 2015 to 2.8 million in December 2016.

The Washington Post

Experimental data is downloaded in the background upon request – the users are not required to handle any files themselves.

BioData Mining

Colorado set a single-day record for gun background check requests the day after the shootings, while Nevada saw more checks in the two days that followed than any other weekend this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "background to the request", ensure that the subsequent explanation clearly outlines the specific context or circumstances that prompted the request. Providing concrete details will make the request more understandable and justifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "background to the request" without providing sufficient details. If the background remains unclear, the phrase loses its purpose and can confuse the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "background to the request" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically serving to introduce or modify a noun or noun phrase. It specifies the context or circumstances that are relevant to understanding a particular request.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "background to the request" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the context or circumstances surrounding a request. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase appears relatively infrequently. It is suitable for neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient detail to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "reason for the request" or "context of the request" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for the request

Focuses specifically on the reason behind the request, offering a direct alternative.

context of the request

Highlights the surrounding circumstances that make the request understandable.

circumstances surrounding the request

Emphasizes the situation and events related to the request.

rationale behind the request

Focuses on the logical reasons supporting the request.

preceding events to the request

Highlights the sequence of events that led up to the request.

history leading to the request

Emphasizes the historical development that resulted in the request.

story of the request

Offers a more narrative approach, focusing on the unfolding events.

driving factors of the request

Highlights the key influences and motivations behind the request.

the why of the request

Simplifies the expression to its most basic question of purpose.

genesis of the request

Focuses on the origin and development of the request from its initial stages.

FAQs

How can I use "background to the request" in a sentence?

You can use "background to the request" to introduce the context or circumstances that led to a formal appeal. For instance, "To understand the urgency, consider the background to the request for additional resources."

What phrases are similar to "background to the request"?

Alternatives include "reason for the request", "context of the request", or "circumstances surrounding the request". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "background to the request" or "reason for the request"?

"Background to the request" is generally considered slightly more formal, as it implies a more comprehensive explanation of the circumstances. "Reason for the request" is more direct and focuses on the specific justification.

When should I use "background to the request" versus simply stating the request?

Use "background to the request" when the request might seem unusual or unjustified without additional information. Providing the background helps the audience understand the necessity or urgency of the request.