gives background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives background" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide context or additional information about a subject or situation. Example: "The article gives background on the historical events that led to the current political climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Gives background of the Fakir.

The New Yorker

Gives background of a photograph of the period, which writer recalls.

The New Yorker

Mr. Igesz gives background information about "Bluebeard," and tells of its central theme.

The New Yorker

Gives background of Juan Antonio Samaranch, pres. of the IOC and Mme.

The New Yorker

Gives background of Tommy Jackson, a colored heavy-weight who won his fights by inducing exhaustion in his opponents.

The New Yorker

Gives background of the whole story, which created a national furor & which is a classic case of its kind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Before each session, they were given background information to read.

The Guardian

He had the prerogative of giving background and going off the record completely.

The New York Times

He gave background interviews by lantern-light or in the darkness.

The New York Times

She says they were used to give background about police operations such as anti-terrorism.

The Guardian

The regression equations to predict the visual fields on the given background condition were suggested.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gives background", ensure the information provided is relevant and concise. Avoid overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details.

Common error

Avoid turning "gives background" into an excuse to include tangential or irrelevant information. Keep the focus on essential context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives background" functions as a verb phrase, where "gives" is the verb and "background" is the direct object. It serves to indicate the action of providing foundational or contextual information on a particular subject or topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gives background" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating the act of providing context or foundational information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various domains, including news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the information given is relevant and concise to avoid overwhelming the audience. Alternatives such as "provides context" or "offers insight" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "gives background" is a versatile phrase that can effectively introduce and contextualize information in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides context

Replaces "gives" with a more formal synonym, "provides".

offers insight

Suggests a deeper understanding is imparted, not just basic information.

furnishes details

Implies a more comprehensive supply of information.

lays the foundation

Emphasizes the preparatory aspect of providing information.

presents the history

Specifically focuses on the historical aspect of the background.

elucidates the situation

Highlights the clarifying effect of the background information.

outlines the framework

Suggests a structural presentation of foundational information.

details the circumstances

Focuses on the surrounding conditions and factors.

explains the rationale

Emphasizes the reasoning and justification behind something.

sets the stage

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate preparation through information.

FAQs

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

You can use "gives background" to introduce information that provides context or explains the circumstances surrounding a particular event, topic, or situation. For example, "The introduction "gives background" information on the man and his work."

What are some alternatives to "gives background"?

Some alternatives to "gives background" include "provides context", "offers insight", or "furnishes details". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "gives background" or "provides background"?

Both "gives background" and "provides background" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Provides" is generally considered more formal than "gives", but either can be suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "gives background" and "explains"?

"Gives background" is used to introduce contextual or historical information, while "explains" is used to clarify a concept or process. "Gives background" sets the stage, whereas "explains" provides understanding.