useful background for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful background for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or context that aids in understanding a topic or situation. Example: "The research provided a useful background for the discussion on climate change policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There is no mention of any different astonishment when that same snow lies blue-white on the ground; it merely serves as a useful background for the dirty yellow sheep that lie "like large fat maggots on the pale skin of a corpse".

The New York Times - Books

The Obamas come from the same minority Luo people as Mboya did and, if you want to visualise a useful background for a successful multiracial American politician, you could do worse than imagine the lessons learned by a young man who saw what ethnic fratricide had done to his father, and his fatherland.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Simmons has spent much of her time writing locally produced plays, like one about the Louisiana Purchase called "Whose Land Is It Anyway?" But she also has a botany degree from Auburn University, a useful background for the camellia identification project, which is expected to take several years.

The New York Times

This is useful background for anguished but wary donors who want to help in the wake of the huge earthquake that hit Haiti.

Forbes

However, some key observations have been generated from non-cancerous cells that may provide a useful background for further studies conducted on cancer cells themselves.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

This paper provides a useful background for researchers in the tidal current energy domain and allows them to know the newest developments in large MCT projects around world.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Arab of the Future is an authentic, emotionally honest memoir, and much more useful background reading for present events than a romanticised account of cosmopolitan, bourgeois Damascus would be.

The Guardian - Books

The details discussed in the chapter serve as useful background information for understanding the frictional behavior of fibers.

Friction in Textile Materials

The chapter discusses the information on structure and properties that may serve as useful background knowledge for fibers and textiles.

Friction in Textile Materials

Conclusion: this study provides the most comprehensive estimate to date of the incidence of DVT in the whole general population around 5 per 10 000 per annum and is a useful background figure for comparison with incidence in high risk groups.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Taylor gave the journalists his account of the dispute and discussions with the generals, and hoped it would be useful background information for the media, so they would understand what he had done and not reach negative conclusions about his conduct in their writing.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "useful background for", ensure the connection between the background information and the main subject is clear to the reader. Specify how the background aids in understanding or application.

Common error

Avoid using "useful background for" when the information is only tangentially related or doesn't directly contribute to understanding the core topic. Ensure the background is genuinely helpful and not just filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful background for" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the background information is helpful or beneficial in understanding a particular subject or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "useful background for" is a grammatically correct and helpful way to introduce information that provides context or aids in understanding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not exceedingly common, it's frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting its suitability for formal and professional writing. Remember to clearly connect the background information to the main subject and avoid overstating its usefulness. Alternatives like "valuable context for" or "helpful foundation for" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helpful foundation for

Emphasizes the supportive role of the information.

valuable context for

Focuses on the importance of the surrounding information.

beneficial preparation for

Highlights the preparatory aspect of the information.

advantageous groundwork for

Implies the information provides a competitive edge.

practical insights for

Stresses the real-world applicability of the information.

relevant history for

Highlights the importance of historical information.

essential knowledge for

Emphasizes that the information is crucial.

supportive material for

Focuses on the supporting nature of the information.

informative basis for

Highlights the educational value.

instructive primer for

Suggests a beginner-friendly introduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "useful background for" to introduce information that provides context or aids in understanding a topic. For example, "This study provides "useful background for" understanding the effects of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "useful background for"?

Some alternatives include "helpful foundation for", "valuable context for", and "beneficial preparation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "useful background for"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight that certain information is beneficial for comprehending a topic or situation, implying it's not just any background, but useful background.

Is "useful background for" too formal or informal for certain writing styles?

"Useful background for" is generally suitable for neutral and professional contexts. For more informal writing, you might choose simpler alternatives like "helps to understand" or "gives context for".