a direct link

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a direct link" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and straightforward connection between two things, such as concepts, data, or resources. Example: "There is a direct link between exercise and improved mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They posit a direct link.

The Guardian - Tech

"There is a direct link between biofuels and food prices.

The Guardian

But there has been no evidence of a direct link.

The New York Times

He sees a direct link between music and directing.

The Guardian

Police have not yet established a direct link with Isis.

The Guardian

He said there was a direct link to the vote.

The Guardian

They are a direct link to our ancestors.

The Guardian - Arts

We therefore sought to document a direct link.

Nature

Alcohol is a direct link to the drugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a direct link to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Independent

Nor is there a direct link between money and success.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a direct link", ensure that the connection you are describing is evident and easily understood by your audience. Avoid using the phrase when the relationship is speculative or requires extensive explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "a direct link" when the connection is actually indirect or mediated by other factors. This can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct link" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves to identify a clear and immediate relationship or connection between two or more entities or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct link" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a clear and immediate connection between two or more elements. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While the phrase is generally appropriate across various registers, it is crucial to ensure the connection being described is indeed direct and not mediated by other factors to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "an immediate connection" or "a clear relationship" can be considered depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an immediate connection

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of intermediaries in the connection.

a clear relationship

Focuses on the clarity and unambiguous nature of the relationship.

a strong correlation

Highlights the strength and degree of association between variables.

a causal relationship

Specifies that one element directly causes the other.

a demonstrable association

Implies that the connection can be proven or shown through evidence.

a firm tie

Suggests a robust and secure connection.

a close correspondence

Indicates a high degree of similarity or agreement.

a linear association

Emphasizes a direct proportional relationship.

an unmediated relationship

Highlights the lack of intermediaries affecting the relationship.

a one-to-one mapping

Emphasizes a perfect correspondence where each element maps uniquely to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "a direct link" to show a clear and immediate connection between two things. For example, "There is a direct link between smoking and lung cancer".

What can I say instead of "a direct link"?

Alternatives include "an immediate connection", "a clear relationship", or "a strong correlation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a direct link between X and Y"?

Yes, the phrasing "a direct link between X and Y" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a clear and straightforward relationship between X and Y.

What's the difference between "a direct link" and "a correlation"?

"A direct link" implies a more immediate and causal relationship, while "a correlation" simply indicates a statistical association that may not be causal.