with a background in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a background in" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when introducing someone's qualifications or experience in a particular field. For example, "John has a wealth of professional experience, with a background in accounting and finance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The seller was S. Bartley Osborn, a retired Minnesota businessman with a background in specialty chemicals.

The New York Times

With a background in TV production, Luzu started with an advantage over the average bedroom vlogger.

The Guardian - Tech

Tom Grubb: "I am an artist with a background in engineering.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thom Tillis, Republican Another with a background in business, Tillis is relatively new to politics.

The Guardian

Mr. Donovan is a 52-year-old retired Army colonel with a background in counterterrorism.

The New York Times

With a background in the new South Africa, the novel is fast and full of suspense.

The Guardian - Books

One uncle is a leading scientist with a background in oceanography.

The New York Times - Sports

With a background in marketing, she briefly considered becoming a career coach herself.

The New York Times

Henderson, with a background in Motown, had barely heard of Davis.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Jackman, 32, is an affable and accomplished Australian actor with a background in musical theater.

The New York Times

With a background in documentary, Forsyth later admitted he wasn't prepared for such smoke and mirrors.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a background in" to introduce relevant experience that directly relates to the topic at hand. This helps establish credibility and context for the individual or subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "with a background in" when referring to tangential or unrelated experiences. Ensure the background directly informs the current role or subject to maintain relevance and avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a background in" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It introduces information about someone's prior education, training, or experience in a specific field. As Ludwig AI suggests, it effectively conveys qualifications or expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a background in" is a versatile and widely used way to indicate someone's prior education, training, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its adaptability across various contexts. As the examples demonstrate, it's frequently employed in news and media to provide context and credibility to individuals being discussed. While it's suitable for both formal and informal writing, ensure that the stated background is relevant to the current subject to avoid misleading the audience. This phrase is particularly useful for establishing expertise and informing the audience about the individual's qualifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill in a specific area.

Having experience in

Focuses more on the direct experience someone possesses, rather than their overall background.

Trained in

Stresses the formal education or training received.

Coming from a background of

Emphasizes the origin and development of one's expertise.

With a history in

Highlights a prolonged involvement or experience in a particular field.

Knowledgeable in

Highlights the depth of understanding someone has in a particular area.

Proficient in

Indicates a high level of competence in a specific domain.

Educated in

Specifically refers to the field of one's formal education.

Skilled in

Emphasizes the practical abilities someone has acquired.

Specializing in

Focuses on the area of specialization or concentrated study.

FAQs

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

You can use "with a background in" to describe someone's qualifications or experience, as in "She's an engineer "with a background in" renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "with a background in"?

Alternatives include "having experience in", "knowledgeable in", or "skilled in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "with a background in" in formal writing?

Yes, "with a background in" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate someone's expertise or experience.

How does "with a background in" differ from "specializing in"?

"With a background in" indicates general experience or education in a field, while "specializing in" suggests a specific area of concentrated study or expertise.