against a backdrop vs against the backdrop

Both 'against a backdrop' and 'against the backdrop' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Against a backdrop' is more general and can refer to any background, while 'against the backdrop' is more specific and refers to a particular background that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 893 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"against a backdrop"

This phrase is used when describing something happening in front of or in contrast to a background or setting. It is a more general way of referring to a background.

Examples:

The dancer performed against a backdrop of city lights.
The speech was delivered against a backdrop of protests.
The painting stood out against a backdrop of dark colors.

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All this against a backdrop of a severe economic crisis and high unemployment.
Global food production will therefore have to increase correspondingly, against a backdrop of pressure on natural resources.
The use of surplus funds to support projects relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy in the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) is therefore laudable, especially against a backdrop of financial crisis.
It is obvious that practices in this area need to be standardised, which would mark a big step forward for passengers who are currently on the move from place to place, against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the airspace.
These pious hopes in times of unemployment and social precarity against a backdrop of international instability make CSR seem like a huge con.
Enlargement took place against a backdrop of uncertainties about the international situation, security problems, and problems with the preservation of social and environmental models common to us all.
The planned fiscal efforts are projected to take place against a backdrop of a narrowing negative output gap.
We face increased polarisations that come up against a backdrop of growing tensions over a series of political issues and of growing cultural stereotypes.
Even against a backdrop of economic downturn, Europe cannot, and must not, shut itself off and ignore the burning issues that surround it.
Yes, as we discuss and debate our post-2012 package against a backdrop of serious global economic recession and financial crisis, we will need all the incisive governance, entrepreneurial flair and scientific innovation that we can muster.
The MEDIA 2007 programme is primarily aimed at promoting a European audiovisual market against a backdrop of strong competition from the US market.
notes that the efforts of Member States to achieve economic and social cohesion are taking place against a backdrop of general budget consolidation and national reform drives to meet the modified Lisbon objectives;
Providing access to food for all, against a backdrop of rising global demand and food shortages for several billion people across the world, is a huge and essential challenge.
The European Union budget, and particularly this one, reflects the lack of a European political project even though, against a backdrop of crisis and at the start of our new mandates, European citizens need it more than ever.
Against a backdrop of global economic crisis with serious social consequences, the decisions taken by the G20 become very important.
Against a backdrop of increasing professional mobility, it is crucial that Community measures are adopted to harmonise the various levels of protection for self-employed workers in each Member State, in addition to the recognition and implementation of legislation in this field.
This strong performance was set against a backdrop both of declining equity markets, with the exception of China, which were heavily influenced by the decline in US high technology stocks, and of increasing pressure on trade balances given the region's dependency on oil imports.
So they're either just truly monster El Ninos, or they're just very strong El Ninos that occurred against a backdrop of global warming.
Firstly, the Conference will be taking place against a backdrop of a slowing down world economy, a situation which has been exacerbated by the tragic events of 11 September which are having a negative impact on economic growth in both the industrial and developing countries.
The arrests occurred against a backdrop of media homophobia.

Alternatives:

in front of a backdrop
amidst a backdrop
with a backdrop
surrounded by a backdrop
set against a backdrop

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"against the backdrop"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific background that has been previously mentioned or is well-known. It adds a level of specificity to the description.

Examples:

The couple danced against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
The speech was delivered against the backdrop of a historic building.
The painting was displayed against the backdrop of a lush garden.

Show examples from the web [+]

Imposing rules for monitoring the correct implementation of provisions on working time should be seen, therefore, against the backdrop not only of protecting drivers' rights, but also of competition and road safety.
Indeed, the priorities of the CAP must be viewed against the backdrop not only of the aspirations of our modern-day society, but also of the constraints that will be imposed on us throughout the world in the future.
The responsibility must be shared between the EU and national level. | Against the backdrop, pushing forward our policy agenda relies on action at both Union and national level. Success depends on shared responsibilities and shared ownership. This is why a partnership is indispensable. |

Alternatives:

against that backdrop
against this backdrop
against her backdrop
against his backdrop
against its backdrop

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against a backdrop vs against the backdrop