provides context for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provides context for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is providing more information or details about the subject. For example: "The author's personal experiences provide context for the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although few providers welcome this development, it provides context for a new breed of leaders.

Harvard Business Review

It provides context for today's turmoil and recriminations.

The Washington Post

But history, while it provides context for contemporary debates, offers no clear guidance.

The New York Times - Books

In short, the tool provides context for value-based decision making about drug pricing.

Harvard Business Review

Our work provides context for decision-making in Washington, Geneva, Beijing and beyond.

Stanford University

A readable introduction to a vast topic, "Restless Empire" traces the development of modern China and provides context for understanding the country's future place in the world.

The New Yorker

HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE -- The kind of warmed-over information that provides context for a policy maker, but offers little in the nature of "actionable intelligence".

The New York Times

Each topic also provides context for the patient populations at Harlem Hospital, The Allen Hospital, and Stamford Hospital.

Columbia University

"Measuring bowling intensity for individual balls or sessions provides context for the acute and chronic workload of the individual bowler, and ultimately the preparedness of the bowler for the maximal workload of the immediate competition".

The Guardian - Sport

The study's reconstruction of European temperatures also provides context for the 2003 heat wave and drought that killed an estimated 70,000 people across Europe.

Columbia University

With a combination of ethnography and in-depth interviews, this research took place before the 2016 election, yet this eco-system provides context for Trump's popularity and win.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provides context for" when you want to emphasize that certain information helps understand a situation, event, or idea. Ensure the context is directly relevant to the subject you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "provides context for" repeatedly within a short span. Vary your language by using synonyms like "illuminates", "explains", or "frames" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provides context for" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject offers background information, details, or circumstances that help in understanding or interpreting something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provides context for" is a versatile and widely used expression that serves to introduce background information essential for understanding a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its applications span diverse fields, with frequent usage in science, news, and academia. To maintain writing clarity, consider varying your language with synonyms like "gives background to" or "illuminates the circumstances of". By grasping its function and purpose, writers can effectively employ "provides context for" to create well-informed and comprehensive content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives background to

Focuses on supplying prior events or information to understand a situation.

puts into perspective

Focuses on adjusting the viewpoint to gain a clearer understanding.

illuminates the circumstances of

Emphasizes clarifying the conditions surrounding an event.

offers a framework for understanding

Highlights the provision of a structured way to interpret something.

lends insight into

Focuses on adding understanding or clarity.

supplies the rationale for

Emphasizes giving the reasons or justifications behind something.

elucidates the reasons behind

Highlights the clarification of the causes or motivations.

furnishes details about

Emphasizes the provision of specific information.

establishes the setting for

Focuses on defining the environment or background.

helps to appreciate

Focuses on aiding understanding and valuation of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "provides context for" in a sentence?

Use "provides context for" to indicate that certain information helps to understand a situation, event, or idea. For example, "The historical background "provides context for" the current political climate."

What can I say instead of "provides context for"?

You can use alternatives like "gives background to", "puts into perspective", or "offers a framework for understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "provides context for understanding"?

While not strictly redundant, "provides context for understanding" can sometimes be shortened to "provides context" as the context inherently aids understanding. Consider whether "understanding" adds meaningful emphasis.

What's the difference between "provides context for" and "explains"?

"Explains" directly clarifies a subject, while ""provides context for"" offers background information that enables a better understanding. "Explains" gives answers; ""provides context for"" creates a foundation for comprehension.