useful background

USAGE SUMMARY

"useful background" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to information that illuminates a particular topic or discussion. For example, "This article provides some useful background information on the history of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resulting paper presented here, should provide useful background and illustrates the use of the method with the aid of an example.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Online I sometimes use the full Oxford English Dictionary for useful background reading.

The Guardian

Catch up if you didn't, it's useful background.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We are trying to provide useful background," he said.

The New York Times

They are framed by a story about a Greek storyteller which provides useful background.

The Guardian

Martin Redfern's polar diary provides some useful background to this week's poem.

The Guardian - Books

Trade conflicts are useful background noise that diverts attention from ongoing political investigations and embarrassments.

The Guardian - Business

You can get hold of early Alan Moore comics – and useful background ideas relating to V for Vendetta here.

The Guardian - Books

Early on, we got some useful background information from Dereck Foster, the longtime food critic of The Buenos Aires Herald.

The New York Times - Food

This star-music should provide a useful background for astronomers, or anyone else, in need of some heavenly sounds.

MIT Technology Review

This volume should provide a useful background for the study and practice of criminal law and criminal procedure in Greece.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure that the "useful background" you provide is relevant and directly supports the main argument or topic.

Common error

Avoid including excessive or unnecessary information under the guise of "useful background". Stick to details that directly contribute to the reader's understanding of the main topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful background" functions primarily as a modifier to describe information that provides context or helps in understanding a particular subject. It is used to highlight the relevance and helpfulness of the information being presented, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful background" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe information that provides helpful context or foundational knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and academic texts, serving to inform and educate the audience. When using this phrase, ensure that the background information is relevant and directly supports the main topic. Alternatives include phrases like "helpful context" or "background knowledge", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

background knowledge

Highlights the foundational nature of the information.

helpful context

Focuses on the helpful aspect of the provided information.

relevant information

Highlights the relevance of the information to a specific topic.

valuable insights

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the information.

contextual understanding

Stresses the understanding derived from the information.

essential details

Stresses the necessity of the information for understanding.

informative overview

Suggests a comprehensive and educational summary.

preliminary information

Emphasizes that the information is introductory or preparatory.

supportive evidence

Highlights the evidence-based nature of the information.

foundational framework

Implies a structured and fundamental understanding is provided.

FAQs

How can I use "useful background" in a sentence?

You can use "useful background" to introduce context or foundational information. For example, "This report provides "useful background" on the company's early years."

What are some alternatives to saying "useful background"?

Alternatives include "helpful context", "relevant information", or "background knowledge", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "useful background" in formal writing?

Yes, "useful background" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly and concisely introduces necessary context. However, consider alternatives like "valuable insights" for a more impactful tone.

What's the difference between "useful background" and "background information"?

"Useful background" implies that the information is not only contextual but also beneficial for understanding the topic. "Background information" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily suggest the information is essential. You can use "essential details" to emphasize the usefulness even more.