setting the context

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting the context" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to explain the background of a situation or to provide additional information that helps the reader understand the topic. For example: "Before discussing the various types of marketing strategies, it's important to first set the context by looking at the history of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But before we get to those, it's worth setting the context of what our story said.

The Washington Post

"International developments are setting the context for most of our domestic challenges.

The Guardian

The order of the steps is crucial, with the early decisions setting the context for what follows.

The New York Times

Anderson provided lively interstitial commentary, which is especially helpful in setting the context for excerpts from novels or tales from series that assume familiarity with a shared background.

The New York Times - Books

The National Park Service-run visitor center here documents the Battle of Fredericksburg with knowledgeable staff and an excellent free film, setting the context for what happened in 1862.

The New York Times

Drawing on the genre-based pedagogy developed by Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), the six-hour instruction was structured in the order of setting the context, modeling, joint construction and independent construction.

Journal of Pragmatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Let's set the context here.

The Washington Post

Let me try and set the context.

Cornell University

We didn't set the context very well.

The New York Times

The revolving blue rotor blades projected on the floor at the beginning set the context.

The New York Times

Here's how you could structure your response: Situation – set the context for your story.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the information you provide as context is directly relevant to the topic. Avoid unnecessary details that could distract the reader from the main point.

Common error

Avoid providing too much background information. Focus on the essential details that are crucial for understanding the topic. Overloading the reader with irrelevant information can dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting the context" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as an introductory element to provide necessary background information or establish a framework for understanding a particular topic. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting the context" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for introducing background information or establishing a framework. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. While not the most frequent phrase, it finds common usage in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context provided is relevant and avoids unnecessary details. Related alternatives include "framing the context" and "establishing the background". Remember, clarity and relevance are key to effectively setting the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

framing the context

Emphasizes the act of shaping or defining the context.

establishing the background

Highlights the act of creating a foundation of information.

laying the groundwork

Focuses on preparing a foundation for future developments or understanding.

defining the framework

Stresses the importance of creating a clear structure or set of guidelines.

providing the backdrop

Suggests a scenic or illustrative context is being offered.

setting the stage

Uses a theatrical metaphor to imply preparation for an event or discussion.

outlining the circumstances

Focuses on giving a detailed explanation of the surrounding conditions.

presenting the rationale

Emphasizes the reasons or justification behind something.

explaining the situation

Highlights the act of clarifying a complex or unclear scenario.

illuminating the conditions

Suggests clarifying or making the surrounding circumstances more understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "setting the context" in a sentence?

"Setting the context" is often used to introduce background information before delving into a specific topic. For instance, "Setting the context, it's important to understand the history of the company."

What are some alternatives to "setting the context"?

Alternatives include "framing the context", "establishing the background", or "laying the groundwork", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "setting the context"?

While generally appropriate, using "setting the context" might be redundant if the context is already self-evident. In such cases, a more direct approach might be preferable.

What's the difference between "setting the context" and "providing background"?

While similar, "setting the context" often implies a broader scope, encompassing not just background information but also the circumstances and environment relevant to the topic. "Providing background" is generally limited to historical or factual information.