variety of backgrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

'variety of backgrounds' is correct and usable in written English.
Example sentence: The business welcomed candidates with a variety of backgrounds during the recruitment process.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His clients come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The Guardian

Its members were drawn from a variety of backgrounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.

Stanford University

"Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds," says Arlene Honeyman, Mencap's head of voluntary strategy.

The Guardian

As it turns out, the board at Oxford comes from diverse variety of backgrounds.

The Guardian

In the team tournaments, it is possible to compete against people from a variety of backgrounds.

The New York Times

The Rangers are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and regions of the country.

The New York Times

Volunteers average 10 outings a year and come from a variety of backgrounds.

The New York Times

Before working for Kids, I worked in a variety of backgrounds.

The Guardian

Mayors, senators, judges, police chiefs, the president, are all from a variety of backgrounds.

The Guardian

I have colleagues from a variety of backgrounds from early years, supported employment and the media.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing inclusivity, use "variety of backgrounds" to highlight the benefits of different perspectives and experiences within a group or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "variety of backgrounds" when the diversity is already implied. For example, saying "a diverse group with a variety of backgrounds" is often redundant; simply "a diverse group" can suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "variety of backgrounds" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to the diverse range of origins, experiences, and characteristics that individuals or groups possess. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "variety of backgrounds" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that highlights diversity in origins and experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a noun phrase, often emphasizing the benefits of inclusivity across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like ""diverse backgrounds"" exist, "variety of backgrounds" effectively conveys a broad range of origins. Remember to avoid redundancy by using it only when the diversity isn't already implied. By understanding its appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the value of diverse perspectives in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverse backgrounds

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the diversity aspect directly.

different walks of life

This idiom emphasizes the different life experiences and social circumstances.

diverse set of experiences

This stresses the broad range of activities and exposures individuals have had.

varied experiences

This shifts the focus from origins to the range of past activities and involvements.

assorted origins

This alternative uses "origins" as a synonym for backgrounds, highlighting different starting points.

heterogeneous origins

This alternative uses a more formal term, "heterogeneous", to emphasize the lack of uniformity.

mixed heritage

This focuses specifically on the different cultural or ethnic origins people have.

multicultural diversity

This highlights the presence of multiple cultures and their interplay.

eclectic mix of experiences

This adds a layer of uniqueness and unconventionality to the backgrounds.

range of expertise

This focuses on the different skills and knowledge people bring, diverging from the origins aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "variety of backgrounds" in a sentence?

You can use "variety of backgrounds" to describe a group of people who come from different origins and experiences. For example, "Our team consists of individuals with a "variety of backgrounds", which enriches our problem-solving capabilities."

What's a good alternative to "variety of backgrounds"?

Alternatives include "diverse backgrounds", "varied experiences", or "different walks of life", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a variety of backgrounds" or "diverse backgrounds"?

Both "a "variety of backgrounds"" and ""diverse backgrounds"" are correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Variety" emphasizes the range of origins, while "diverse" directly highlights the differences.

What does it mean when someone says a group has a "variety of backgrounds"?

It typically means that the group includes individuals from different cultures, education levels, socioeconomic statuses, and professional experiences. This diversity is often seen as a strength, bringing different perspectives and skills to the table.