0
Napoleonponapa Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Confused words ( the setting and the background)
1) The police need to look into the setting of the issue.
2) The police need to look into the background of the issue.
Which one is correct? what's the difference?
Thanks
2) The police need to look into the background of the issue.
Which one is correct? what's the difference?
Thanks
Top answer
Both sentences are possible, but #1 seems a less usual form of wording. Based on the general meanings of the words, "background" tends to suggest the past events and circumstances that caused the issue to arise, while "setting" tends to suggest the circumstances in which the issue exists now. In practice, though, "background" could here include elements of the current situation, and "setting" could include elements of past history, so there's a fair amount of overlap in meaning.
- Both sentences are possible, but #1 seems a less usual form of wording.
- Based on the general meanings of the words, "background" tends to suggest the past events and circumstances that caused the issue to arise, while "setting" tends to suggest the circumstances in which the issue exists now.
- In practice, though, "background" could here include elements of the current situation, and "setting" could include elements of past history, so there's a fair amount of overlap in meaning.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
Both sentences are possible, but #1 seems a less usual form of wording.
Based on the general meanings of the words, "background" tends to suggest the past events and circumstances that caused the issue to arise, while "setting" tends to suggest the circumstances in which the issue exists now. In practice, though, "background" could here include elements of the current situation, and "set
Based on the general meanings of the words, "background" tends to suggest the past events and circumstances that caused the issue to arise, while "setting" tends to suggest the circumstances in which the issue exists now. In practice, though, "background" could here include elements of the current situation, and "set
00
Let me suggest something different, because neither of those appeals to me -- though they are understandable.
The police need to look into the circumstances surrounding the case.
CJ
The police need to look into the circumstances surrounding the case.
CJ
00
CalifJimLet me suggest something different, because neither of those appeals to me
Yes, you're quite right.
0
Related Questions