a direct connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a direct connection" is a perfectly understandable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe when one thing is directly related to another without any intervening steps or processes, as in the following example sentence: A direct connection exists between the amount of rainfall and the level of precipitation in a given region.

✓ Grammatically correct

Bioinformatics

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A short and a long contig can only be connected by a direct connection.

Bioinformatics

There's a direct connection".

The New York Times - Style

That's a direct connection, and that's great".

The New York Times - Magazine

A direct connection reinforces your message.

Harvard Business Review

That, at least, has a direct connection with home insurance.

The Guardian

Yet the two films have a direct connection: Lance Cpl.

The New York Times - Arts

But there may not be a direct connection.

Harvard University

A million lives with a direct connection to living poets!

Independent

Although it is impossible to make a direct connection, the company blames the message.

The New York Times

This is where we see a direct connection with economic development.

The Guardian

Professor Paaswell said the study demonstrated that there is a direct connection between access and income.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a direct connection", ensure the relationship you're describing is truly immediate and without intermediaries. Avoid using it metaphorically if it dilutes the sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid claiming "a direct connection" when the relationship is only correlational or indirect. Clearly distinguish between correlation and causation to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct connection" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It indicates a clear, unobstructed relationship between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct connection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an immediate and unobstructed relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, from scientific explanations to news reports. When using this phrase, ensure the relationship is genuinely direct, avoiding its application to mere correlations. Alternatives like "a direct link" or "an immediate connection" can offer subtle variations in meaning. This phrase sees most frequent use in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a direct link

Replaces "connection" with "link", emphasizing a straightforward association.

a straight connection

Uses "straight" to highlight the absence of curves or diversions in the connection.

an immediate connection

Substitutes "direct" with "immediate", focusing on the instantaneous nature of the connection.

a close relationship

Emphasizes the intimacy and strength of the bond.

a causal relationship

Highlights the cause-and-effect nature of the relationship.

a seamless integration

Focuses on the smooth and effortless combination of elements.

a conduit

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that suggests a channel for direct transmission.

a firsthand account

Emphasizes direct personal experience as the source of information.

a personal link

Highlights a connection established on individual level.

an unbroken chain

Illustrates a continuous sequence without any interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "a direct connection" in a sentence?

You can use "a direct connection" to describe a clear and immediate relationship between two things. For example, "There is "a direct connection" between exercise and improved cardiovascular health."

What are some alternatives to "a direct connection"?

Alternatives include "a direct link", "a straight connection", or "an immediate connection", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "a direct connection" to describe a correlation?

It's more accurate to use "a direct connection" to describe a causal relationship rather than a mere correlation. If there are other factors involved, using terms like "correlation" or "association" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a direct connection" and "an indirect connection"?

"A direct connection" implies a clear and immediate relationship, while "an indirect connection" suggests that the relationship is mediated by other factors or steps.