the backdrop in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the backdrop in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the context or setting surrounding an event, situation, or narrative. Example: "The backdrop in which the story unfolds is a small, isolated village during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

THERE is a big difference to split because, even though companies have been doing well, the backdrop in which they do business has been only so-so.

The New York Times

What made the achievement most special to Tomkins and his team-mates was the backdrop in which it had been won.

BBC

Lynchings didn't happen in a vacuum, of course, since the broader (and more shameful) history of racial relations formed the backdrop in which such lynchings took place.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Furthermore, rather than using an abstract subject/topic or presenting the cited information as authorless, the integration of external voice within a text somewhat opens up the dialogic backdrop in which the argument takes place.

Functional Linguistics

The resolution comes against a backdrop in which the Security Council has been authorizing the use of force in recent months to protect civilians in countries like Libya and the Ivory Coast, where nations are deemed to have failed to shield citizens from atrocities.

The New York Times

High fiscal deficits in the West and accelerating demand in emerging economies have created the sort of inflationary backdrop in which commodities thrive, as have out-of-the-blue events like political instability in the Middle East and in North Africa, snow in the American Plains and a cyclone in Australia.

The New York Times

Tenacious drumming and sedated guitars set the backdrop for Rezzonico's story, in which he paints himself as a man in a catatonic stupor; numb to the world around him and entirely powerless in his struggle to move on with his life after abandonment.

Huffington Post

However, the heart of the current chaos and misery is the larger reality that Saudi Arabia and Iran have both made Yemen a testing ground for their regional strategic rivalry, against a backdrop in which the United States, the major supplier of arms to the Saudis, is simultaneously attempting a significant thaw in relations with Iran.

The Guardian - Opinion

Against a highly charged political backdrop in which the government is pledging to tackle top pay, the potential payments sparked anger among unions and were used as fresh ammunition by campaigners calling for a tax on financial transactions.

The Guardian - Business

All of this came against a backdrop in which the threat of imminent blackouts subsided.

The New York Times

As the industry continues to search for a business model to support quality journalism, against a backdrop in which the very nature of journalism is being analysed in such detail, we will continue to use our collective strength to work for success for our products and everyone who works for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “the backdrop in which” to set a descriptive stage for your narrative or argument, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the surrounding circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using “the backdrop in which” when a simpler preposition like “in” or “against” would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations requiring a more elaborate contextual setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “the backdrop in which” functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing the setting or circumstances relevant to a situation or event. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it helps to frame the context for a more detailed understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “the backdrop in which” is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to set the context or environment for a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is uncommon, typically appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. While simpler alternatives exist, this phrase is useful for providing detailed contextual information. Remember to avoid overuse in simple sentences, reserving it for instances where a comprehensive setting is necessary. This analysis helps understand when and how to effectively employ this phrase in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the context within which

Emphasizes the broader framework of ideas or circumstances.

the environment in which

Highlights the surrounding conditions and influences affecting the situation.

the conditions in which

Focuses on the state of affairs that exist around the event.

the circumstances under which

Draws attention to the specific conditions that enable or affect the event.

the setting where

Focuses more on the physical environment as the location of the event.

the landscape within which

Invokes a broader perspective, similar to the backdrop but more expansive.

the framework wherein

Suggests a structured or conceptual system as the setting.

the sphere in which

Highlights a specific area or domain of activity.

the arena where

Implies a competitive or public space in which the event unfolds.

within the ambit of

Uses a more formal tone to denote the scope or range of the context.

FAQs

How can I use "the backdrop in which" in a sentence?

Use "the backdrop in which" to describe the circumstances or environment surrounding an event. For example, "The trial occurred against "the backdrop of" intense media scrutiny."

What is a simpler alternative to "the backdrop in which"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in the context of", "within", or "against "the background of"".

Is it better to say "the backdrop in which" or "against "the backdrop of""?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the backdrop in which" emphasizes the active role of the setting, while "against "the backdrop of"" suggests a contrasting or conflicting element.

What's the difference between "the context in which" and "the backdrop in which"?

"The context in which" refers to the broader circumstances and influences, while "the backdrop in which" typically alludes to the visual or environmental setting. They are similar, but "the backdrop in which" often has a more descriptive connotation.