a clear correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a noticeable and understandable relationship between two or more variables or factors. Example: "The study revealed a clear correlation between exercise frequency and overall health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a clear correlation: you raise your cigarette taxes, fewer children go and smoke".

The New York Times

"Our research shows that there is a clear correlation between social and other skills and earnings.

The Guardian

There is a clear correlation between distance travelled and points accrued.

The Guardian - Sport

Some road safety advocates say there is a clear correlation between road deaths and elections.

The New York Times

"Under the circumstances I would be shocked if there was a clear correlation," Bonnor said.

The Guardian

She, too, found a clear correlation between high welfare scores and lower incidence of campylobacter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So there is a clear correlation between dominating possession and winning matches.

The Guardian - Sport

On the whole, the results do show a clear correlation between asset strength and brand reputation.

The Guardian

MacAskill said: "It's not rocket science, it's not happen-chance that there's a clear correlation.

The Guardian

There was a clear correlation – the whiter the ward, even if it was working class, the better Boris did".

The Guardian

There is a clear correlation between the safety of seats and embroilment in the scandal over MP's expenses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the variables or factors that are clearly correlated to provide context and clarity to your audience. For example, "a clear correlation between exercise and mental well-being".

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that "a clear correlation" implies causation. Remember that correlation only indicates a relationship, not necessarily that one factor causes the other. Additional evidence is needed to establish causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear correlation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a readily apparent relationship between two or more variables. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear correlation" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes a strong and easily observable relationship between variables. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing its role in analytical and explanatory discourse. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is valuable for asserting relationships but should not be used to imply causation without further evidence. Alternative phrases such as "a clear relationship" and "a distinct association" can add variety to your writing. Always ensure evidence supports any claimed correlation to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear relationship

This alternative uses the word "relationship" instead of "correlation", emphasizing the connection between two or more things.

a distinct association

This alternative highlights a noticeable link between two or more variables.

a strong connection

This alternative focuses on the strength of the link between two or more elements.

an evident link

This alternative highlights the obvious nature of the connection.

a definite connection

This suggests an unambiguous link.

an obvious relationship

This alternative underscores the readily apparent nature of the connection.

a noticeable trend

This alternative focuses on a pattern or tendency that is easily observed.

a demonstrable link

This alternative emphasizes that the connection can be proven or shown.

a marked relationship

The word "marked" emphasizes the clear and distinct nature of the relationship.

a telling pattern

This suggests that the pattern provides significant insight.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear correlation" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear correlation" to describe a strong relationship between two or more variables. For example, "There is "a clear correlation" between study time and exam scores".

What are some alternatives to saying "a clear correlation"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear relationship", "a distinct association", or "a strong connection" depending on the context.

Is it accurate to say that "a clear correlation" means one thing causes another?

No, "a clear correlation" only indicates that two or more things are related. It does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. Causation requires further evidence and analysis.

What's the difference between "a correlation" and "a clear correlation"?

The phrase "a clear correlation" emphasizes that the relationship is easily observable and understandable. Simply stating "a correlation" doesn't convey the same level of obviousness or strength in the relationship.