a tenuous association

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous association" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or fragile connection between two things, often in a context where the relationship is not strong or well-established. Example: "The study revealed a tenuous association between diet and mental health, suggesting that more research is needed to understand the link."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Higher CAUCd and BCd levels may be associated with advanced cancer phenotypes, but there was only a tenuous association between cadmium and prostate cancer.

BMC Cancer

Review of published cases suggests a tenuous association.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a tenuous connection.

The Washington Post

Other times there was "a tenuous connection".

The Guardian - Business

That tenuous association with wagyu beef made me think of preparing a simple Japanese-type sauce, reducing it till it was thick then adding the sliced meat and quickly taking it off the heat, so it wouldn't cook any further but would warm sufficiently.

Huffington Post

But no! Instead, the Republicans decided to change the subject to Obama's extremely tenuous association with the controversial 1960s left-wing activist Bill Ayers.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are the tricks of Balam Acab, the recording alias of Alec Koone, now detached from his tenuous association with witch house, last year's brooding electronic music breakthrough scene, which his debut EP "See Birds" was an essential part of.

The New York Times - Arts

But using the tissue of innuendo, illogical inference, circumstance and guilt by tenuous association -- as Baker does in this book -- to indict rhetorically anyone, let alone a former chief executive, of an infamous murder is a reprehensible calumny.

Los Angeles Times

INDEED, the narrator's "crabwalk" lacks subtlety in that its juxtapositions fail to differentiate between family affinities, such as those between parents and children; circumstantial connections, such as that between the shipwreck and Paul's character; and very tenuous associations, like the one between the assassination of Gustloff and the destruction of the ship named in his honor.

The New York Times - Books

A tenuous calm reigns.

The New Yorker

It was a tenuous line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tenuous association" to accurately describe connections that are weak, uncertain, or based on limited evidence. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and limitations of the association.

Common error

Avoid using "a tenuous association" when a strong or well-established connection exists. Using it inappropriately can undermine the credibility of your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous association" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tenuous' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'association'. It serves to describe the nature of the connection between two or more things, indicating that the relationship is weak or uncertain. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tenuous association" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a weak or uncertain relationship between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its primary contexts in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context accurately reflects the limited strength of the association to avoid overstating the connection and undermining your argument. Alternatives such as "a fragile link" or "a slight relationship" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile link

Focuses on the vulnerability and easily broken nature of the connection.

a slim connection

Emphasizes the minimal and insubstantial nature of the connection.

a slight relationship

Highlights the subtlety and lack of prominence in the connection.

a remote link

Suggests the connection is distant or indirect.

a dubious connection

Implies uncertainty or skepticism about the validity of the connection.

a questionable relationship

Casts doubt on the existence or significance of the relationship.

an unsubstantiated association

Highlights the lack of evidence or support for the connection.

a speculative connection

Suggests the connection is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

a theoretical relationship

Implies the connection exists only in theory and may not be practical.

a contingent association

Suggests the connection is dependent on certain conditions being met.

FAQs

How can I use "a tenuous association" in a sentence?

You can use "a tenuous association" to describe a weak or poorly supported relationship between two things. For example: "The study revealed "a tenuous association" between the new policy and improved outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "a tenuous association"?

Some alternatives include "a fragile link", "a slim connection", or "a slight relationship", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tenuous association" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tenuous association" can be used in formal writing to accurately describe a weak or uncertain connection. However, ensure that the context is clear and the usage is justified.

What does "tenuous" mean in the context of "a tenuous association"?

In this context, "tenuous" means weak, slight, or of little substance. It indicates that the association is not strong or well-supported.