a small connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or limited relationship or link between two things, ideas, or people. Example: "There is a small connection between the two theories that could lead to further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Canseco said he excluded Ordóñez from the first book because he "played favorites" and "felt a small connection to Maggs".

The New York Times - Sports

Sadly the relay route doesn't go past the splendid Literary and Philosophical Society in the city centre where Stephenson announced his invention – an unfortunate oversight by NewcastleGateshead's torch czars, who could have highlighted a small connection with real rather than invented history.

The Guardian - Sport

Even a small connection can make a big difference.

Science Magazine

There's actually also a small connection here between Hamid and Fushman from the Dropbox days: Hamid was on the board of directors for CloudOn, a mobile productivity startup that was acquired by Dropbox in 2015.

TechCrunch

"[Muslim prisoners] tend to be isolated from the community and they are also isolated from the religious calendar as it were and this is basically a small connection with the community and with that religious aspect of their life," he said.

BBC

I have a small connection to my second example: Several years ago, my employer (at the time) Natural Resources Defense Council partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and a number of local community development corporations to work on green neighborhood revitalization.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The RA procedure, which takes place after the UE has received a small cell connection establishment request from the macro cell, during which the UE actually connects to the selected small cell.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Just a small daily connection that means more than either of us says.

The New York Times

To plug in more than two U.S.B. products at a time, you can attach a hub -- a small, multiport connection device -- to one of the existing ports to add four, six or however many more U.S.B. ports you need.

The New York Times - Tech

To the Editor: I, too, was fascinated by the Dodge house, which I remember well and to which I have a small, tangential connection: My great aunt, Adele McMillan, was married to William Crawford, the contractor who built the New York house.

The New York Times

If the lesion is suspected to be of vascular nature, to have a large extraosseous component or of the type that may have a small intracranial connection (e.g. dermoid cyst), MRI is the modality of choice.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small connection", ensure the context clarifies what entities are connected and the nature of their limited relationship. This avoids ambiguity and provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance or impact of "a small connection". Overstating its significance can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It indicates a minor or limited relationship between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small connection" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating a minor or limited relationship. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the entities connected and the nature of their limited relationship is essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a minor link" or "a slight association" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor link

Replaces "connection" with "link", emphasizing the minimal nature of the relationship.

a slight association

Substitutes "connection" with "association", highlighting a loose or indirect relationship.

a limited tie

Uses "tie" instead of "connection", indicating a bond that is not strong or extensive.

a tenuous link

Replaces "small" with "tenuous", emphasizing the weak or fragile nature of the connection.

a distant relationship

Uses "relationship" to specify the type of connection, adding the adjective "distant" to denote its remoteness.

a faint trace

Emphasizes the minimal and almost imperceptible quality of the connection.

a loose end

Suggests an incomplete or unresolved aspect of a connection, implying it's not fully established.

a slim chance

While not directly about connections, it implies a very slight possibility of a connection existing or occurring.

a marginal impact

Focuses on the limited effect or influence resulting from a connection, rather than the connection itself.

a passing reference

Indicates a brief or indirect mention, implying a minimal connection in terms of relevance or significance.

FAQs

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

"A small connection" can be used to describe a minor link between two things. For example, "There is "a small connection" between their research and our findings".

What's the difference between ""a small connection"" and "a strong connection"?

"A small connection" implies a weak or minor relationship, while "a strong connection" suggests a significant and impactful link.

What can I say instead of ""a small connection""?

You can use alternatives like "a minor link", "a slight association", or "a limited tie" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a small connection" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it accurately reflects the nature of the relationship being described.