Here are some examples of how it might be used:
* "By way of background, I should explain that I've been working on this project for the past six months."
* "By way of background, let me tell you a little bit about the history of this company."
* "By way of background, it's important to understand the current economic climate."
The phrase "by way of background" is a more formal way of saying "to give you some context" or "to provide some information." It's often used in business presentations, academic papers, and other formal settings.