a loose correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loose correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a relationship between two variables that is not strong or definitive. Example: "The study found a loose correlation between exercise frequency and overall happiness, suggesting that while they may be related, other factors are also at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

However, it is worth noting that there is a loose correlation between the countries that have good female representation at ministerial level and child wellbeing.

The Guardian

They drew comfort from the work of Richard Easterlin, professor of economics at the University of Southern California, who trawled through the data in the 1970s and observed only a loose correlation between money and happiness.

The Economist

Recently, though, there does seem to have been at least a loose correlation, he says, because American banks, both directly and indirectly, are exposed to the debt of Greece and other troubled European countries.

The New York Times

A loose correlation is expected to exist between this untrustworthiness and the error affecting the predicted property.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Comparing the top 10 mobile home states with the 10 most deprived states suggests a loose correlation.

BBC

If you look back in time at the progression of both concepts though, you'll discover that these were in fact two starkly unrelated ideas at one point that have since evolved from a loose correlation to a tightly interwoven dependency.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

However, they may have a looser correlation to the levels of phosphate in the early fermentation stage as compared with phosphorus.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

In a down year, a fund with a looser correlation to the index can outperform it — in other words, post smaller losses.

Los Angeles Times

It's a somewhat loose correlation, but as a general rule, counties where more people own property are also counties that were more likely to back Trump.

The Washington Post

Moreover, despite the complete lack of alignable noncoding sequence between genera (supplementary fig. S1, Supplementary Material online, and data not shown), we could in many cases identify a rough "core" region with a loose linear correlation of motifs.

Genome Biology and Evolution

But what we see so far is loose correlation, not reproducible causation.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a loose correlation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what elements are being correlated and why the correlation is considered loose.

Common error

Avoid presenting findings based on "a loose correlation" as definitive or causal. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential for other factors influencing the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loose correlation" functions as a noun phrase that describes the nature of the relationship between two or more variables. As stated in Ludwig AI, it indicates that the association is not strong or definitive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a loose correlation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a weak or imprecise relationship between variables. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in diverse writing contexts. It's frequently used in both scientific and news media, as shown by Ludwig's examples. Alternatives include "a weak relationship" or "a slight association". When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overstating its significance and to acknowledge the limitations of the correlation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weak relationship

Emphasizes the feebleness of the connection rather than its inexact nature.

a slight association

Highlights the mildness of the connection, suggesting a subtle link.

a tenuous connection

Implies the connection is fragile and easily broken.

a rough correspondence

Indicates an approximate, not precise, similarity or link.

a vague link

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision in the connection.

a distant relationship

Stresses the remoteness and indirectness of the connection.

a marginal correlation

Emphasizes that the correlation is barely significant.

a limited connection

Focuses on the constrained or restricted nature of the link.

an indirect association

Highlights the lack of directness in the connection.

a casual relationship

Indicates a non-causal connection with possible superficial traits.

FAQs

What does "a loose correlation" mean?

The phrase "a loose correlation" indicates a weak or not very precise relationship between two or more things. The link is not strong or definitive.

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

You can use "a loose correlation" when describing a relationship that isn't strongly supported by evidence. For example, "The study found "a loose correlation" between X and Y, but more research is needed".

What can I say instead of "a loose correlation"?

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

Is "a loose correlation" the same as "a strong correlation"?

No. "A loose correlation" implies a weak or imprecise relationship, while "a strong correlation" indicates a clear and reliable relationship. They are near opposites.