provide background information

USAGE SUMMARY

'provide background information' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when a person is introducing a new topic and wants to provide some information that sets the scene. For example: "Before discussing the findings of my research, I will provide some background information on the history of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Besides informing about its usefulness and ease, we want to provide background information about the mechanism that makes distilled water applicable for this purpose.

Gynecological Surgery

In this section, we provide background information on cloud computing, its service models, and major cloud computing providers; cyber-physical systems and their advantages in general as well as a typology on firewalls.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

–Does the reviewer provide background information or suggest possibilities that are not included on the site?

The New York Times

The government plans to order airlines to provide background information on passengers for a new security system, Asa Hutchinson, under secretary for border and transportation security, said.

The New York Times

You may wish to provide background information on the political semiotics of the elephant and donkey images as the symbols of the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively.

The New York Times

Services like JD Supra can provide background information for consumers before they engage a lawyer, he said, "and possibly provide them one day with the tools to bypass the lawyers altogether".

The New York Times - Tech

On film, Mr. Levin, whose "Slam" was a sensation on the festival circuit in 1998, has decided to identify the shifting characters with subtitles, both to underline the moments of transition and to provide background information.

The New York Times

Ms. Kessler thinks that the next weeks, as the audience from the concert chooses varied causes and issues through the Catapult site, will provide background information about which grass roots organizations appeal to donors.

The New York Times

The next section will provide background information about military conscription in the Netherlands.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The footnotes include explanations that specify or concretise the theses or provide background information.

European Journal of Futures Research

Release concept planning should provide background information and rationale for decisions on successful release development projects.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure that the background information is relevant and directly supports the main argument or thesis of your work.

Common error

Avoid including irrelevant or excessive details in the background information. Focus on providing only what is necessary for the reader to understand the core message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide background information" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it commonly introduces context, history, or rationale relevant to a topic. It typically precedes detailed explanations or analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

2%

Gynecological Surgery

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide background information" is a versatile phrase used to introduce context and set the stage for detailed discussions. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in science and news. When using this phrase, ensure the information is relevant to the main topic and tailored to your audience's knowledge level. Consider related phrases like "offer context" or "supply context" for brevity, and avoid including extraneous details that might distract from the core message. Overall, mastering the art of providing relevant background information enhances clarity and understanding in any form of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer context

This alternative offers a more concise way to express providing background information, focusing on the act of giving context.

supply context

Similar to 'offer context', this option emphasizes the act of furnishing or delivering the necessary context.

give details

This phrase is a general way of providing information, focusing on furnishing particulars relevant to a topic.

present the circumstances

This alternative focuses on the conditions and details surrounding an event or situation.

explain the rationale

This highlights the explanation of reasoning or justification behind something.

outline the basics

Focuses on giving fundamental facts or principles of a subject, ideal for introductory purposes.

briefly introduce

This suggests a quick overview, setting the stage without delving into extensive detail.

set the stage

An idiomatic way of saying to prepare someone with the necessary information before an event or discussion.

lay the foundation

Emphasizes the creation of a necessary base or groundwork of knowledge.

give a primer

This alternative refers to supplying an introductory explanation on a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "provide background information" in a sentence?

You can use "provide background information" to introduce context or explain the history of a subject. For example, "Before discussing the results, I will "provide background information" on the study's methodology".

What are some alternatives to "provide background information"?

Alternatives include "offer context", "supply context", or "give details", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to "provide background information" in every piece of writing?

Not always. The necessity depends on your audience and the complexity of your topic. If your audience is unfamiliar with the subject, providing background information is crucial. If they are experts, less may be needed.

What kind of details should I include when I "provide background information"?

Include essential historical facts, relevant definitions, and key concepts that your audience needs to understand the topic at hand. Avoid including extraneous details that do not contribute to the overall understanding.