a rough correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a general relationship or connection between two variables that is not precise or exact. Example: "The study found a rough correlation between exercise frequency and overall health, suggesting that more active individuals tend to report better well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

There is a rough correlation between conservatism and a laissez-faire approach to newspapers.

The Economist

(There seemed to be a rough correlation between the size of a vehicle and the likelihood that it would emit a friendly honk).

The New Yorker

Those studies pointed to a "rough correlation" between an economy's productivity growth and the openness of its market.

The Economist

So it seems as if there is a rough correlation between the health of the economy and the likelihood that Europeans affected by the financial crisis would go camping domestically.

The Economist

One aspect of these data, which Facebook has shared with The Economist, shows a rough correlation between current global Facebook friendships and the old boundaries of once-mighty European empires.The maps below rank 214 countries according to the strength of their ties to Britain, France, Spain and Portugal respectively.

The Economist

Early studies established that there is a rough correlation between the logs of the CME speed and the logs of the SEP intensities.

Advances in Space Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Although there appears to be a rough inverse correlation between ∑H2S and ∑SO4, there is no statistical correlation between the concentration of SO42- and chlorinity or salinity (Hanor[61, 111]).

Geochemical Transactions

There is also a rough negative correlation between SiO2 and TiO2.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Furthermore, a rough temporal correlation between the HXR flux and the product vB2 is observed.

Advances in Space Research

There was also a rough negative correlation between the percentage of Alu elements within a given family that contained an HNF4α binding site and the age of the family.

BMC Genomics

There also seems to be a rough inverse correlation between the evolutionary rates inferred for the p53 sequences and the longevity of the species i.e. the faster the rate the shorter the life span.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough correlation", clarify the degree of approximation or any limitations in the data. For instance, state the factors that might influence the correlation or explain potential outliers.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a rough correlation" as a definitive or causal relationship. Clearly acknowledge the limitations and potential for other factors to influence the observed connection. This will increase credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough correlation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a relationship between two or more variables that is not precise or exact, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rough correlation" is a useful tool for describing relationships that aren't perfectly defined. Ludwig AI says it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, this indicates its acceptance across diverse writing styles. It's common in scientific and journalistic contexts. Alternatives like "an approximate correlation" or "a loose correlation" offer similar meanings, but it's crucial to specify the degree of approximation and prevent overstating significance when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate correlation

Replaces 'rough' with 'approximate', indicating a correlation that is not exact but close.

a loose correlation

Uses 'loose' instead of 'rough', suggesting a weaker, less defined relationship.

a general correlation

Emphasizes the broad nature of the correlation, rather than its lack of precision.

an inexact correlation

Highlights the imprecision of the correlation.

a tentative correlation

Suggests the correlation is not fully established or confirmed.

an imperfect correlation

Indicates the correlation exists but is not without deviations or exceptions.

a broad relationship

Focuses on the general connection rather than a specific correlation.

an unsubstantiated correlation

Implies there may be evidence for correlation that isn't completely confirmed.

an indication of association

Replaces "correlation" with "association", a broader term for a relationship between variables.

a possible trend

Suggests the correlation may be a trend, or that evidence exists to form a relationship between the items

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough correlation" to describe a relationship between two or more things that is not exact or precise. For example: "The study showed "a rough correlation" between income and education levels."

What phrases can I use instead of "a rough correlation"?

Alternatives to "a rough correlation" include phrases like "an approximate correlation", "a loose correlation", or "a general correlation", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a rough correlation" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "a rough correlation" in academic writing, as long as you acknowledge the limitations of the correlation and avoid overstating its significance. Be clear about the degree of approximation.

What's the difference between "a rough correlation" and "a strong correlation"?

"A rough correlation" indicates a general or inexact relationship, while "a strong correlation" implies a more precise and statistically significant relationship. The choice depends on the evidence and the degree of certainty.