a link

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a link" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something which connects two things, objects, or ideas, typically in a metaphorical sense. For example, "Although there is no physical link between them, Mary and Tom have a strong bond of friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's a link.

The New York Times

A link is here.

The Economist

Instead it posts a link.

The New York Times

It's a link, the backpack.

The New York Times

There is a link, unquestionably.

The Economist

But a link is just a link.

The Guardian - Sport

Buddhism provides a link.

The Guardian - Arts

A link aggregator?

The New Yorker

Some evidence suggests such a link exists.

The New York Times

"I decided to make a link".

The New York Times

But was there a link to performance?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a link" when describing causal relationships in science or news, but consider "a correlation" if the relationship is statistical but not necessarily causal.

Common error

Writers sometimes use "linkage" as a more formal version of "link". However, "link" usually refers to the specific connection itself (like a web address or a physical chain part), whereas "linkage" often refers to the system, mechanism, or process of being linked.

Linguistic Context

In English, "a link" serves as a noun phrase that functions as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to identify a specific bridge between two data points or concepts. It consists of the indefinite article "a" and the common noun "link".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

38%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a link" is a cornerstone of modern English, effectively bridging the gap between physical connections, abstract relationships, and digital navigation. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a high-frequency phrase that remains grammatically robust across diverse fields. Whether you are citing a scientific study in Science Magazine to show "a link" between variables or simply telling a friend that you will send "a link" to a video, the phrase is universally understood. Its versatility makes it an indispensable tool for writers seeking to describe any form of connectivity without unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a connection

more general and can apply to physical, abstract, or emotional bonds

a hyperlink

specifically refers to a digital link in a computing context

a relationship

focuses on the ongoing state of being connected

an association

suggests a mental or logical relationship between ideas

a tie

often used for family, social, or historical connections

a URL

a technical term for the specific web address of a link

a bond

emphasizes the strength or permanence of the connection

a correlation

implies a statistical or scientific relationship between two variables

a bridge

metaphorically describes a connection that overcomes a gap or distance

a nexus

a more formal term for a central or focal connection

FAQs

How do I use "a link" in a professional email?

In professional emails, you can say "I have included "a link" to the document below" or "Please find "a link" to the resource for your review".

What is the difference between "a link" and "a connection"?

While often interchangeable, "a link" often implies a more direct or structural point of contact, whereas "a connection" is broader and can describe vague or indirect relationships.

Can I use "a link" to describe a relationship between people?

Yes, you can use it metaphorically. For example, "The shared experience served as "a link" between the two strangers".

Should I say "a link to" or "a link with"?

Use "link to" when referring to a destination or a specific entity (e.g., "a link to the website"). Use "link between" or "link with" when describing a mutual relationship (e.g., "the link with heart disease").