the background against which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the background against which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the context in which something is happening. For example, "The books and articles we read informed us of the background against which the events of the war occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the background against which the Guggenheim project should be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

"The mother becomes the background against which the baby lives, becomes time".

The New Yorker

This is the background against which any sort of sense is possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

A nearby undisturbed rainforest is used as the background against which assessment was carried out.

Geoderma

This is the background against which we have to consider the issues of multiculturalism.

The Economist

That was the background against which Mayo was able to test the financial viability of various alternatives.

Harvard Business Review

This cycling between solution and precipitation is the background against which more rapid parts of the cycle occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At least 20m have died.That is the background against which two meetings have just been held in Paris.

The Economist

The extreme in cryptic coloration, of course, is found among those birds that simply take on the color of the background against which they live.

Stanford University

Its 42 pages contain an informal history of modern Polish poetry from 1900 to 1945, that poetry's chief characters and the background against which it was written.

The New York Times - Books

Many poems postdate 9/11; a generalized fear of terrorism darkens the background against which the inexplicable is "always cropping up".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the background against which" to provide context and explain the circumstances surrounding a particular event, decision, or situation, ensuring the reader understands the full picture.

Common error

Avoid using "the background against which" when a simpler phrase like "the reason for" or "the cause of" would be more direct and clear. Ensure it adds significant contextual information rather than unnecessary complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the background against which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that provides contextual information. It sets the scene or explains the circumstances relevant to understanding a particular event or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the background against which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for providing context. According to Ludwig, it serves to frame events, decisions, or situations by outlining the circumstances, history, or influences that shaped them. Its prevalent usage across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias suggests a register that leans toward neutral to formal, making it well-suited for serious and considered discussions. While the Ludwig AI validates its correctness, remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler phrasing in less formal contexts to avoid unnecessary complexity. The provided examples and analysis should aid in confidently incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the context in which

Focuses on the surrounding circumstances or setting.

the circumstances surrounding

Emphasizes the conditions and events around a particular situation.

the setting for

Highlights the environment or location where something occurs.

the framework within which

Indicates a structured set of guidelines or principles.

the environment where

Focuses on the surrounding conditions and influences.

the conditions under which

Emphasizes the specific terms or stipulations.

the foundation upon which

Highlights the underlying basis or support.

the history behind

Focuses on the preceding events and developments.

the story of

Centers around the narrative or account of events.

the rationale for

Emphasizes the reasoning or justification for something.

FAQs

How can I use "the background against which" in a sentence?

Use "the background against which" to provide context or explain the circumstances influencing an event or decision. For instance, "The economic crisis was "the background against which" the government implemented new policies."

What are some alternatives to using "the background against which"?

Alternatives include "the context in which", "the circumstances surrounding", or "the setting for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the background against which" formal or informal?

"The background against which" tends to be more formal and is suitable for academic, professional, or news-related writing. For more casual contexts, simpler phrasing may be preferable.

What's the difference between "the background against which" and "the reason why"?

"The background against which" provides a broader context of circumstances, while "the reason why" focuses specifically on the direct cause or explanation for something. The former offers a more comprehensive understanding, whereas the latter is more direct and concise.