To give you some background
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this to set the stage and ensure your listener understands the history before you explain the present.
15秒了解
- Used to provide context or history before the main point.
- Perfect for meetings, interviews, and explaining complex stories.
- Signals that you are about to set the scene.
意思
This phrase is used to provide the necessary context or history about a topic before you get into the main details. It's like painting the scenery of a play before the actors come out so the audience understands the setting.
关键例句
3 / 6Starting a project meeting
To give you some background, we've been looking for a new vendor since January.
To give you some background, we've been looking for a new vendor since January.
In a job interview
To give you some background on my role, I managed a team of ten designers.
To give you some background on my role, I managed a team of ten designers.
Explaining a friend's behavior
To give you some background, he just lost his job yesterday, so he's a bit stressed.
To give you some background, he just lost his job yesterday, so he's a bit stressed.
文化背景
In English-speaking professional environments, 'context is king.' Providing background is seen as a sign of respect for the listener's time, ensuring they don't have to guess the 'why' behind a decision. It reflects a linear communication style where we build a foundation before presenting a conclusion.
Keep it snappy
The 'background' should never be longer than the main point. Aim for 30 seconds of context maximum.
Don't over-explain
If your boss already knows the history, skip this phrase. It can sound like you think they have a bad memory!
15秒了解
- Used to provide context or history before the main point.
- Perfect for meetings, interviews, and explaining complex stories.
- Signals that you are about to set the scene.
What It Means
Imagine you are jumping into the middle of a movie. You would be confused, right? This phrase is your way of hitting the 'rewind' button for your listener. You are telling them the 'story before the story.' It ensures everyone is on the same page. It fills in the gaps so your main point makes sense.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning of your explanation. It acts as a verbal signal. You say To give you some background, then provide two or three sentences of history. After that, you transition to your current point. It’s a polite way to ask for a moment of their time to explain the 'why' behind the 'what.'
When To Use It
You will hear this constantly in the office. Use it during project kick-offs or when introducing a new teammate. It’s also great for job interviews. When an interviewer asks about a challenge, start with this phrase to set the scene. In casual life, use it when telling a long story to a friend who doesn't know the people involved. It saves you from being interrupted with questions like 'Wait, who is that?'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during emergencies. If the building is on fire, don't give background! Also, don't use it if the history is common knowledge. If you are talking to your spouse about your own house, they don't need background. Using it too much can make you sound a bit long-winded. Keep the background brief so you don't lose their interest.
Cultural Background
Western business culture prizes 'alignment.' We hate the feeling of being the only person in the room who doesn't understand a reference. This phrase is a social lubricant. It shows you are a thoughtful communicator. It became a staple of corporate 'speak' in the late 20th century as projects became more complex and cross-functional.
Common Variations
You might hear people say Let me give you some context or Just to catch you up. In very formal settings, someone might say By way of background. If someone is being brief, they might just say A little bit of history here. All of these serve the same purpose: making sure the listener isn't lost.
使用说明
This phrase is a 'signpost' expression. It helps guide the listener through your logic. It is most effective when followed by a brief, chronological explanation.
Keep it snappy
The 'background' should never be longer than the main point. Aim for 30 seconds of context maximum.
Don't over-explain
If your boss already knows the history, skip this phrase. It can sound like you think they have a bad memory!
The 'Context' Secret
In the US and UK, starting with background is seen as being organized. In some other cultures, people prefer to get to the point first and only give background if asked.
例句
6To give you some background, we've been looking for a new vendor since January.
To give you some background, we've been looking for a new vendor since January.
Sets the timeline for the current discussion.
To give you some background on my role, I managed a team of ten designers.
To give you some background on my role, I managed a team of ten designers.
Provides context for a specific achievement.
To give you some background, he just lost his job yesterday, so he's a bit stressed.
To give you some background, he just lost his job yesterday, so he's a bit stressed.
Explains the reason behind someone's mood.
To give u some background: they haven't liked each other since high school.
To give u some background: they haven't liked each other since high school.
Shortened version for quick digital communication.
To give you some background, I tried to follow a '3-minute' recipe that took three hours.
To give you some background, I tried to follow a '3-minute' recipe that took three hours.
Uses the phrase to set up a funny failure.
To give you some background, my grandfather started this tradition after the war.
To give you some background, my grandfather started this tradition after the war.
Adds emotional weight to a story.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to start an explanation about why a project is late.
___, the original developer left the company unexpectedly last month.
The speaker is providing the reason (the history) for the current delay.
Complete the sentence in a casual conversation.
I know this looks weird, but ___ background, I'm actually painting my house today.
The full infinitive phrase 'to give you some' is the standard way to introduce context.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of Context-Setting
Used with close friends.
So, basically...
Safe for work and most social situations.
To give you some background...
Used in academic or high-level corporate speech.
By way of background information...
When to Provide Background
Job Interview
Explaining your past work.
First Date
Explaining why you moved to the city.
Team Meeting
Explaining why a strategy changed.
Doctor's Visit
Explaining your medical history.
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, they are almost identical. Context is slightly more common in creative or abstract discussions, while background is common for history and facts.
Absolutely. It's a great way to start a new paragraph when you need to explain a situation before making a request.
Not at all. It's neutral. You can use it with a friend to explain why you're telling a specific story.
Try saying To give you a little bit of background to make it sound less intimidating, even if the explanation is a bit long.
Yes, but using some makes it sound more natural and less like a formal lecture.
No, in this phrase, it's used as an uncountable noun, which is why we say some background rather than a background.
No, it's almost always used at the beginning to prepare the listener for what is coming next.
Yes, it's a perfect 'bridge' phrase that makes your English sound much more fluent and professional.
It can, depending on your tone. If you use it to explain a mistake, it might sound like an excuse, so be careful with your delivery.
You can just say Basically... or So, here's the deal... in very casual settings.
相关表达
To put things in perspective
To provide context that helps someone understand the scale or importance of something.
To fill you in
To give someone the information they missed.
Long story short
Used to skip the background and get to the main point quickly.
For those who don't know
A way to provide background specifically to people who are new to a group.
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