a slim connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or tenuous link between two things, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "There is a slim connection between the two theories, but further research is needed to establish any significant relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On this slim connection, Chinedu asked the man if he knew of any jobs, and he was taken to the sawmill, where he began at once, working long days amid the scream of the ripsaw and burning clouds of sawdust, sleeping outside at night on a stack of hardwood planks.

The New Yorker

For years, Mr. Morgenthau has used what some consider slim connections to Manhattan to reach beyond its boundaries and bring defendants back to its courts.

The New York Times

One final proviso: Amtrak trains are sometimes delayed, so there is always a slim chance you might miss your connection -- though the YARTS drivers are generally courteous and wait for any delayed Amtrak arrival if it's not too delayed.

Huffington Post

The left-hand ear cup sports a slim 3.5mm headphones jack for wired connections when at a desk, as well as pause-play and volume buttons.

The Guardian - Tech

Some of the victims have only the slimmest connections to the authorities.

The New York Times

The piece describes how objects related to the ship by the slimmest connections, which would nevertheless raise their value, were sold for very little money.

The New Yorker

Tyler's political connections and campaigning skills won him the election by a slim margin.

Wikipedia

A slim and stately debutante,.

The New Yorker

A slim worse, true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only a slim one.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm a slim percent".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slim connection" when you want to downplay the significance or strength of a relationship between two things.

Common error

Avoid using "a slim connection" if you intend to emphasize a strong or crucial relationship. Opt for phrases like "a vital link" or "a key connection" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim connection" functions as a noun phrase, where "slim" is an adjective modifying the noun "connection". It describes the nature of the connection, indicating it is weak or tenuous. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slim connection" serves to depict a tenuous or weak relationship between two entities. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, highlighting its function as a noun phrase with the adjective "slim" modifying the noun "connection". Given its neutral register, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to casual conversations, whenever the intention is to downplay the strength or importance of a particular link. When aiming to emphasize a stronger relationship, writers should opt for more robust alternatives such as "a key connection" or "a vital link".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tenuous link

Emphasizes the fragility and uncertainty of the connection.

a weak link

Highlights the lack of strength or influence in the connection.

a distant relationship

Focuses on the lack of closeness or directness in the relationship.

a slight association

Indicates a minimal level of connection or involvement.

a remote possibility

Shifts focus to the improbability of the connection leading to a specific outcome.

a fragile bond

Highlights the delicate and easily broken nature of the connection.

a loose tie

Suggests a connection that is not firmly established or maintained.

a superficial link

Implies that the connection is only on the surface and lacks depth.

an indirect correlation

Specifies that the connection is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

a marginal effect

Emphasizes the small and insignificant impact of the connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slim connection" to describe a weak or tenuous relationship. For example, "There's "a slim connection" between his early work and his later masterpieces".

What's a good alternative to "a slim connection"?

Alternatives include "a tenuous link", "a weak link", or "a slight association". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a slim connection" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim connection" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context warrants its use. It's most effective when you want to deliberately minimize the perceived strength of a relationship.

What does "a slim connection" imply about the relationship?

The phrase "a slim connection" suggests that the relationship or association is weak, tenuous, and potentially insignificant. It indicates that the two things being connected have very little in common or influence on each other.