a linkage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a linkage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a connection or relationship between two or more things, often in contexts such as discussions about systems, theories, or data. Example: "The study revealed a linkage between diet and health outcomes that had not been previously established."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This approach is called a linkage analysis.

The New York Times - Health

They can see a linkage between Al Qaeda and Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Nowadays, the more radical Israeli activists also acknowledge a linkage.

The Guardian

Ms. Lopez and P. Diddy became an item -- a linkage with serious crossover implications.

The New York Times

Fears of having to make such disclosures are expected to propel all markets into a linkage.

The New York Times

This creates a linkage between oil supplies and the long war that is not easily broken or simply characterized..

The Guardian

"We're not going to allow them to draw a linkage".

The New York Times

But in any case, why suggest such a linkage?

The New York Times

"A linkage with Israeli nationality might have been justifiable in the public interest, despite being likely to cause offence.

The Guardian

In 1998, Dr. Pulver reported a linkage for schizophrenia on Chromosome 13 in a study of 100 families of Ashkenazic Jewish extraction.

The New York Times - Science

In my opinion, there is no longer a linkage between the rates and bands decided by the UK government and those decided by the Scottish government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a linkage", ensure the connection you are describing is clear and specific. Avoid vague references; clarify what is being linked and why it is significant.

Common error

Be careful not to imply direct causation when describing "a linkage". A linkage indicates a connection or association, but not necessarily that one element directly causes the other. Use specific language to clarify the nature of the connection if causation is not definitively proven.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a linkage" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a connection, relationship, or association between two or more things, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a linkage" is a versatile phrase used to denote a connection or relationship, most frequently appearing in scientific and news-related contexts. It maintains a grammatically correct structure and, according to Ludwig, it is deemed acceptable for usage. While "a connection" and "a relationship" serve as potent alternatives, it's crucial to ensure causation isn't overstated when employing the phrase. Remember to clarify what is being linked for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a connection

Replaces "linkage" with a more general term for association or relationship.

a relationship

Emphasizes the nature of the connection between two or more things.

an association

Highlights the co-occurrence or correlation between elements.

a correlation

Specifically denotes a statistical relationship or interdependence.

an interconnection

Stresses the mutual connection and dependence between elements.

a relation

A more formal and succinct synonym for "relationship" or "connection".

an interrelation

Similar to "interconnection", emphasizing the reciprocal relationship.

an interdependence

Focuses on the mutual reliance and connection of components.

a tie

A simpler, less formal way to indicate a connection or bond.

a bond

Highlights the strength or closeness of the connection.

FAQs

How can I use "a linkage" in a sentence?

Use "a linkage" to describe a connection or relationship between two or more things. For example, "The study found "a linkage" between diet and health."

What can I say instead of "a linkage"?

You can use alternatives like "a connection", "a relationship", or "an association" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a linkage" or "the linkage"?

"A linkage" is used when referring to a general or unspecified connection. "The linkage" is used when referring to a specific connection already mentioned or understood in the context.

What's the difference between "a linkage" and "a correlation"?

"A linkage" indicates a general connection or relationship, while "a correlation" specifically refers to a statistical relationship showing how two or more variables tend to move together.