In the Background or On the Background – Which Is Correct?

It’s quite common, in the English language, to see expressions change depending on the preposition we choose to use.

This is what happens when we use “In the Background” or “On the Background”. But what changes? And what’s the best way to apply those forms? Let’s find out.

In the Background or On the Background – Which Is Correct?

Both “In the Background” and “On the Background” are correct, but there is a difference. “In the Background” is more commonly used for things you can see, which are somewhat tangible. “On the Background” is used for figurative things and rhetorical conversations.

Take a look at the examples below:

• The sunset in the background is beautiful.
• The sunset on the background is beautiful. (incorrect)

• On the background of the research we had the support of many students.
• In the background of the research we had the support of many students. (incorrect)

Each set of sentences shows a correct and an incorrect use of the expressions.

The sunset is something you can see, visualize in front of you. Therefore, the correct way to say it is “the sunset IN the background”.

When discussing a research, which is not tangible, we use “On the Background”, to indicate that more work was being done than what one would initially have imagined.

Let’s look at each form separately.

In the Background

“In the Background” describes what can be noticed or seen on the back of the forefront of what you’re speaking or writing about.

This is how “In the Background” should be used in a sentence:

1. Look at the birds in the background of the picture!
2. Jenny wonders what to paint in the background of her newest painting.
3. Lisa told me these tables should be placed in the background.
4. Anna and Phil were singing in the background.
5. Even though Jeff would only appear in the background, he was still excited to see himself in the movie.

Note that in every instance, what’s happening “In the Background” can be seen, felt or heard. It’s physical, tangible and very real: the birds can be seen, the song Anna is singing with Phil can be heard.

“In the Background” is not about rhetorical speech. It’s but whatever is literally there, to be noticed, and to which you want to point out.

On the Background

“On the Background” relates to figurative and rhetorical speech. You use this form when you wish to indicate an aspect of your conversation that isn’t in the forefront, but shouldn’t be ignored.

This is how “On the Background” should be used in a sentence:

1. Did anything come up on the background check?
2. I’m looking for essays on the background of World War II.
3. On the background of their marriage crisis there was a lot of hurt.
4. Did you see the birds on the background? (incorrect)
5. Gabriel was on the background of the picture. (incorrect)

You should never use “On the Background” for things that can be visibly observed – like the birds or Gabriel, in sentences 4 and 5.

“On the Background” indicates details on situations that aren’t tangible, that someone would like that were noticed. World War II and the crisis in marriage are things that cannot be visibly seen at the moment, like a picture would.

Which is Used The Most?

It’s interesting to see how frequently some expressions are used by people in real life. Do you think people say more “In the Background” or “On the Background”? Take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, to find out.

“In the Background” is used way more often than “On the Background”. That isn’t surprising, if you think about how strict and limited the use of “On the Background” is.

It is, however, interesting to notice that the use of “In the Background” has increased considerably over the last years.

Music In the Background or Music On the Background?

Keeping in line with the principle we just went over, music is heard, and a person would be able to physically perceive it in an environment. Consequently, the correct form to use is “In the Background”. “On the Background” would be incorrect and should be avoided here.

• Mike asked if he could play some music in the background while we had dinner.
• Mike asked if he could play some music on the background while we had dinner. (incorrect)