wider background

USAGE SUMMARY

"wider background" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the broader context or larger scope surrounding a particular topic or situation. You can use it to provide additional information about a specific subject or to compare it to a larger context. Example: "Before we discuss the current political climate, let's first examine the wider background of historical events that have influenced it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This blog post provides some wider background for the presentation, and a recap of its recommendations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the UK, we are confronted by a growing internal jihadist threat against a wider background of non-violent disloyalty and disaffection and disdain for the country.

The Guardian

The appointments will be in two batches of three positions each, to improve the chances of recruiting from a wider background.

The Guardian

The international terrorist "watch list" of suspects would be expanded, he said, and skilled migrant workers would face wider background checks.

The Economist

The zero-order ACF peak has two time scales: a narrow autocorrelation peak (of about 100-ps wide), which sits on top of a wider background (about 10-ns wide) (Fig. 3b).

Nature

"Because of his role after he left the News of the World, because of the wider background of the phone-hacking investigation, Mr Coulson has become something of a lightning conductor for the political aspects of this investigation," said Langdale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But the four composers, challenged by Bach's adherence to a tradition, also find ways to embed themselves in communal experience, in what consciously or unconsciously comes from their wider backgrounds.

The New York Times - Arts

I have a wide background in the arts.

The New York Times

Curt has a wide background working with animals.

Cornell University

Mr. Meirelles, at 47, is no neophyte, having a wide background in film and television.

The New York Times

But remember this requirement of a background too, a wide background.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wider background" when you want to provide additional context or information to clarify a topic or situation. It helps to set the stage and ensure the audience has the necessary understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "wide background" interchangeably with "wider background". While similar, "wider" implies a more encompassing scope, while "wide" suggests breadth in a literal or visual sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wider background" functions as a noun phrase, where "wider" modifies the noun "background". It commonly operates as an object of a verb or preposition, providing context or additional information as Ludwig highlights.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wider background" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a broader context or more extensive knowledge base. As noted by Ludwig, it functions primarily to provide context and enhance understanding, fitting within neutral to formal registers. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and academic sources underscores its utility in analytical and explanatory writing. When using this phrase, consider whether alternatives like "broader context" or "larger perspective" might better suit your specific intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broader context

Focuses on the surrounding circumstances rather than specific knowledge.

larger perspective

Emphasizes a more encompassing view, shifting the focus from details.

more comprehensive understanding

Highlights the completeness of knowledge rather than the scope.

extensive knowledge

Stresses the amount of information known, not necessarily the context.

fuller picture

Suggests a more complete and detailed view, emphasizing clarity.

bigger picture

Implies understanding the overarching situation, often in a business context.

general overview

Provides a summary of the main points, lacking depth.

historical context

Specifically refers to the past events influencing the present situation.

theoretical framework

Refers to the underlying principles and assumptions.

contextual understanding

Emphasizes how the environment changes a situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wider background" in a sentence?

Use "wider background" to introduce contextual information. For example, "To understand the current conflict, it's essential to consider the "historical context" and the "wider background" of political tensions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "wider background"?

You can use alternatives such as "broader context", "larger perspective", or "more comprehensive understanding" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between "wider background" and "wider context"?

While closely related, "wider background" often refers to the underlying knowledge or history relevant to a situation, whereas "wider context" typically encompasses the immediate circumstances and related factors.

When is it appropriate to use "wider background" in my writing?

Use "wider background" when you need to provide extra information that is not immediately obvious, yet crucial for the reader to understand the topic fully. This is common in academic papers, news reports, and detailed explanations.