diff --git a/packages/core/src/tool/plugin/shell.ts b/packages/core/src/tool/plugin/shell.ts
index c3cd52c20e9..c84dae65b0f 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/tool/plugin/shell.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/tool/plugin/shell.ts
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ export const Input = Schema.Struct({
   }),
   background: Schema.optionalKey(Schema.Boolean).annotate({
     description:
-      "Run the command in the background and return immediately. You will be notified when it completes. DO NOT poll its progress.",
+      "Run the command in the background and return immediately (useful for dev servers and long-running builds). You do not need to use '&' at the end of the command when using this parameter. You will be notified when it completes. DO NOT poll for completion.",
   }),
 })