a linear relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"a linear relationship" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two variables (or more) are increasing or decreasing at a constant rate (e.g. as one variable increases, the other increases in a proportional or equal manner). Example: The graph shows a linear relationship between temperature and humidity.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

V(P) follows a linear relationship.

Journal of Hydrology

This was done by a linear relationship.

Construction and Building Materials

A linear relationship was confirmed between them.

Carbon

It's not quite a linear relationship, but the direction is clear.

The Guardian

It's harder to draw a linear relationship showing cause and effect.

The New York Times

This plot gives a linear relationship, as expected from Eq. (3).

Nature

Importantly, a linear relationship has been reported between transgene BAC copy number and expression level20.

Nature

A linear relationship is observed between PHS and PHSS.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

A linear relationship between CBR and curing time was identified.

Construction and Building Materials

Herbicide interception increased in a linear relationship with increasing litter.

Rangeland Ecology & Management

A linear relationship between lnD and 1/T is confirmed.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or statistical data, ensure that you have visually confirmed the linearity (e.g. using a scatter plot) before claiming "a linear relationship".

Common error

Avoid assuming "a linear relationship" simply because there is a correlation. Always verify the nature of the relationship with a scatter plot or statistical test, as relationships can be nonlinear or influenced by confounding variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a linear relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of correlation between two or more variables. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

12%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a linear relationship" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a proportional association between variables. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the relationship is visually verified using appropriate methods like scatter plots and statistical tests. Alternatives such as "a direct correlation" or "a proportional association" can be used to provide variety or emphasize specific aspects of the relationship. Remember, the clarity and verification of the relationship are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a direct correlation

Focuses on the statistical interdependence rather than just the relationship.

a proportional association

Emphasizes the constant ratio between the variables.

a straight-line correlation

Highlights the graphical representation of the relationship.

a direct proportionality

Highlights that one variable is a multiple of the other.

a positive correlation

Specifically indicates that both variables increase together.

a constant ratio

Focuses on the numerical relationship rather than the overall trend.

a fixed relationship

Indicates the connection between two entities is constant over some period.

a predictable relationship

Highlights the fact that one value can be predicted knowing the other value.

a monotonic relationship

Highlights that one variable is always non-increasing or non-decreasing with the other variable.

a simple relationship

Conveys the uncomplicated nature of the relation between entities.

FAQs

How can I use "a linear relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "a linear relationship" to describe a connection where a change in one variable results in a constant change in another, for example: "The experiment revealed "a linear relationship" between the amount of fertilizer used and crop yield".

What does "a linear relationship" mean?

The phrase "a linear relationship" signifies that two variables change together at a constant rate, such that their relationship can be accurately represented by a straight line on a graph.

What are some alternatives to using "a linear relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "a direct correlation", "a proportional association", or "a straight-line correlation" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to assume "a linear relationship" between two variables?

No, it's not always accurate. Always verify with data. Relationships can be nonlinear, influenced by other variables, or only appear linear over a specific range. Statistical tests and visualization tools can help determine if a linear model is appropriate.