a correlation between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a correlation between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when two or more things have a relationship, where changes in one item correspond with changes in the other. For example, "studies have shown a correlation between physical activity and academic performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Guadagnoli described a correlation between eye movement and brain activity.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a correlation between memory and movement.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a correlation between poverty, hunger and water stress.

The Guardian

Have you found a correlation between success and happiness?

The Guardian - Books

"We know there's a correlation between that and education.

The Guardian

Maybe there's a correlation between external blindness and internal picturing.

The New Yorker

There is a correlation between these two developments.

The New York Times - Arts

Is there a correlation between poverty and crime?

The New York Times

Is there a correlation between openness and innovation?

The Guardian - Tech

* Is there a correlation between reviews and "word of mouth"?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps there's a correlation between 12-tone music and straightened economic times.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a correlation between", ensure that the relationship you're describing is supported by evidence, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a correlation between" two variables means one causes the other; correlation only indicates a relationship, not necessarily causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a correlation between" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the concept of a statistical relationship between two or more variables. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is employed to discuss connections across diverse fields. Ludwig AI validates the acceptability of the phrase in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a correlation between" is a common and accepted way to describe a statistical relationship between two or more variables. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, remember that correlation does not equal causation. While alternative phrases like "a connection between" or "a relationship between" exist, they may not carry the same statistical weight. Examples from Ludwig showcase the phrase's adaptability across various contexts, reinforcing its status as a reliable choice for discussing observed relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A connection between

Emphasizes a general link or association, less statistically specific than correlation.

A relationship between

Highlights the existence of a connection or association, broader in scope than correlation.

An association between

Suggests a link or connection, but may not imply causation or a strong relationship.

A link between

Indicates a connection or tie, often used for simpler or more direct relationships.

An interdependence of

Focuses on how two or more things rely on each other, implying a mutual influence.

A tie-in between

Describes a close relationship or connection, often used in marketing or media contexts.

An interplay between

Highlights the interactive or reciprocal effects between two or more factors.

An interaction between

Focuses on how two or more things affect one another, emphasizing the dynamic relationship.

A correspondence between

Implies a similarity or analogy, rather than a direct causal link.

A pattern between

Highlights the observable relationship between two or more elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a correlation between" to show a relationship between two or more variables. For example, "There is "a correlation between exercise and health"".

What are some alternatives to "a correlation between"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a connection between", "a relationship between", or "an association between", each with slightly different implications.

Is it correct to say "correlation of" instead of "a correlation between"?

While "correlation of" can be used in some contexts, "a correlation between" is generally preferred for describing the relationship between two distinct entities or variables.

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

"A correlation between" simply means two things are related. Causation means one thing directly causes another. Just because two things are correlated doesn't mean one causes the other.