What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumstance
Example
Given the circumstances, we had to cancel the outdoor event. [circumstances: noun]
Example
She made the decision based on the circumstances at hand. [circumstances: plural noun]
background
Example
He has a background in finance and accounting. [background: noun]
Example
Let me give you some background information about the project. [background: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Background is more commonly used than circumstance in everyday language. Background is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as personal history, qualifications, or providing context for a topic. On the other hand, circumstance is less common and is often used in more specific or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between circumstance and background?
While circumstance is typically associated with a more formal tone, background can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.
