a loose connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a loose connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a link, relationship, or association between two ideas that is not strong or very clear. For example, "The connection between poverty and crime is a loose one, but certain studies suggest a correlation between the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

You're more likely to hear about your next job, new apartment, or cultural or social opportunities from a loose connection -- an informed and significantly connected person, who's several connections removed -- than from your closest connections.

Huffington Post

In newer homes, even if the three-prong outlet is present and connected to the third ground wire, there is the possibility of a loose connection in the ground circuit.

The New York Times

The pelvic girdle of some reptiles has a loose connection with the spine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Humber already has a loose connection with two talented Mets pitchers.

The New York Times - Sports

In many cases, the open ground can be traced to a loose connection in the box.

The New York Times

A couple of weeks later, he came back to fix a loose connection on the toilet tank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Some public justification theorists see a looser connection between stability and public justification.

SEP

An expressivist semantics requires a one-one mapping of non-synonymous sentences to states of mind, but insofar as fictionalism doesn't require a nonstandard semantics it may be able to get away with a looser connection between the mental states and the sentences that express them.

SEP

Not surprisingly, they found that the factors most predictive of ILM persistence after ERM peel were a greater extent of ERM elevation (a looser connection between the ERM and the retinal surface) and thicker ERMs.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

If any loose connection is found, plug it properly.

WikiHow

"We find a very loose connection between our forecast and our performance," he said, referring to his firm's portfolio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, ensure that using "a loose connection" doesn't create ambiguity. If precision is needed, specify the type of connection and its potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a loose connection" when the actual relationship is nonexistent or purely coincidental. This phrase implies some degree of genuine, albeit weak, association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loose connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples demonstrate its role in describing relationships between people, ideas, or events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a loose connection" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a weak or tenuous relationship between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While it signifies some level of genuine association, it's crucial to avoid overstating its significance when a relationship is nonexistent. For alternatives, you might consider phrases like "a tenuous link" or "a slight association", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tenuous link

Emphasizes the fragility and lack of substance in the connection.

a weak link

Highlights the feebleness and potential breakability of the connection.

a slight association

Focuses on the minimal level of association between two things.

a remote connection

Suggests a distant or indirect relationship.

a casual relationship

Indicates a lack of commitment or seriousness in the connection.

a superficial bond

Implies a lack of depth or genuine connection.

a flimsy tie

Stresses the insubstantial and easily broken nature of the connection.

a tangential relationship

Suggests a connection that is only slightly relevant or related.

a distant correlation

Highlights that the two things are statistically associated, but the association may not be strong

a questionable connection

Implies a doubt about the validity or existence of the connection.

FAQs

How can I use "a loose connection" in a sentence?

You can use "a loose connection" to describe a weak or tenuous relationship between two things. For example, "There's "a loose connection" between the suspect and the victim, but it's not enough to make an arrest."

What are some alternatives to "a loose connection"?

You can use alternatives like "a tenuous link", "a weak link", or "a slight association" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a loose connection" or "a strong connection"?

The best phrase depends on the actual strength of the relationship you're describing. Use ""a loose connection"" when the link is weak or uncertain, and "a strong connection" when it's clear and significant.

What does "a loose connection" mean in an electrical context?

In an electrical context, ""a loose connection"" refers to an electrical contact that is not tightly secured, which can cause malfunctions or even fires.