a harmful correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harmful correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a relationship between two variables that has negative implications or effects. Example: "The study revealed a harmful correlation between excessive screen time and mental health issues in adolescents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hornung et al. [ 12] demonstrated an inverse correlation of the RV-MMI and RV-EF, thereby interpreting hypertrophy as a harmful process in atrial switch circulation.

Clinical Research in Cardiology

A significant correlation between higher values of C-reactive protein and increasingly disturbed cerebrovascular autoregulation suggests a harmful effect of inflammation on cerebrovascular endothelial function.

Critical Care

However, in the simulated action condition specifically, in order to determine whether personality traits were related to the physical power (force × speed) of utilitarian actions, we conducted bivariate correlations between traits and the power exerted when performing a utilitarian action (simulating a harmful act).

Nature

Estrogen can be both a beneficial and a harmful hormone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's a harmful thing.

Vice

Coccolithophorids are not a harmful algal species.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

94 This could be a harmful consequence.

BMJ Open

Therefore itch results in the removal of a harmful stimulus.

Cough

This is a harmful decision.

WikiHow

This could potentially have a harmful effect.

WikiHow

Every study that looked at the relationship between intimate partner violence and harmful alcohol use found a positive correlation between the two - although substance abuse may also be linked mental health disorders which also increase a woman's vulnerability to violence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research findings, clearly specify the variables involved in "a harmful correlation" to provide context and prevent misinterpretations. For instance, 'a harmful correlation between sedentary behavior and cardiovascular disease'.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a harmful correlation" means one variable directly causes the other. Correlation only indicates an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship. Further investigation is needed to establish causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harmful correlation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a relationship between two or more variables. The adjective "harmful" modifies the noun "correlation", indicating that the relationship has negative or detrimental effects. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harmful correlation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a relationship between variables that has negative consequences. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, there's a lack of real-world examples currently available, indicating it might be an infrequent expression. It's important to note that correlation does not equal causation and to use this phrase with precision, clearly identifying the variables and avoiding assumptions of direct cause-and-effect. When using "a harmful correlation", ensure it’s used appropriately, providing context, and specifying the variables involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detrimental association

Replaces "harmful" with "detrimental" emphasizing the damaging nature of the association.

a negative relationship

Uses the more general term "negative" to describe the relationship, highlighting its adverse impact.

a damaging link

Substitutes "correlation" with "link" and "harmful" with "damaging", focusing on the injurious connection.

an adverse connection

Employs "adverse" to underscore the unfavorable nature of the connection.

a toxic relationship

Uses "toxic" to emphasize the poisonous or destructive nature of the relationship.

a malignant association

Replaces "harmful" with "malignant", stressing the harmful and potentially worsening nature of the association.

a deleterious effect

Shifts the focus to the effect, describing it as deleterious or harmful.

an injurious link

Uses "injurious" to specify the damaging quality of the link.

a counterproductive relationship

Highlights that the relationship is hindering progress or achieving desired outcomes.

a pathogenic correlation

Focuses on the disease-causing nature of the correlation, indicating a link to illness or harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a harmful correlation" to describe a relationship between two variables that has negative consequences. For example, "The study revealed a harmful correlation between excessive screen time and mental health issues in adolescents."

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

You can use alternatives like "a detrimental association", "a negative relationship", or "a damaging link" to convey a similar meaning.

Does "a harmful correlation" imply causation?

No, "a harmful correlation" does not imply causation. It only indicates that there is an association between two variables, and that this association has negative consequences. Further research is needed to determine if there is a causal relationship.

Is it appropriate to use "a harmful correlation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a harmful correlation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where you're discussing research findings. Ensure that you provide sufficient context and avoid implying causation without evidence.