a tenuous connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or fragile link between two ideas, concepts, or entities. Example: "The research presented a tenuous connection between diet and mental health, suggesting that more studies are needed to establish a stronger link."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tenuous connection.

The Washington Post

Other times there was "a tenuous connection".

The Guardian - Business

Greer's story eventually establishes a tenuous connection with Elsa's.

The New York Times - Books

Why not, say, sports drinks, power bars or something with even a tenuous connection to tennis?

The New York Times - Sports

Ninety-nine percent of the population has a tenuous connection to the military at best.

The New York Times

Isn't it great when you discover a tenuous connection with a stranger?

The Guardian - Opinion

That makes for a tenuous connection between Latin American stocks and the Nasdaq.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, March 19 , 1960P. 33 Long comment about a tenuous connection betw.

The New Yorker

Even so, his fusion of text, music and stage action rarely refutes a tenuous connection to opera as conventionally defined.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a tenuous connection to be made between Maxwell's endorsement of sexual chivalry and his commitment to frank musicality.

The New York Times - Arts

Mrs Clinton had once, in a debate, suggested a tenuous connection between Mr Obama's church and Hamas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tenuous connection" to accurately describe situations where a relationship exists but is weak, uncertain, or easily broken. It adds a layer of nuance that simply saying there is "no connection" would miss.

Common error

Avoid using "a tenuous connection" when there is absolutely no link between two things. The phrase implies some level of association, however slight. If there's truly no relationship, state that directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the nature of a relationship or link between two or more entities, emphasizing its fragility or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tenuous connection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a weak, fragile, or uncertain link between two things. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase also appears in scientific and formal business writing, indicating its versatility. While "a tenuous connection" is widely accepted, it's important to use it accurately when a relationship exists but isn't strong. Alternatives such as "a weak link", "a slim connection", and "a fragile link" offer nuanced variations in meaning, allowing for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weak link

Focuses on the fragility and potential for failure of the connection.

a slim connection

Emphasizes the narrowness or limited scope of the connection.

a fragile link

Highlights the vulnerability and easily broken nature of the connection.

a remote association

Suggests a distant and not immediately obvious relationship.

an unsubstantial relationship

Indicates that the connection lacks a solid basis or foundation.

a slight association

Underscores the minimal degree of connection between elements.

a loose tie

Conveys the idea of a connection that is not tightly bound or strongly enforced.

a borderline connection

Suggests the connection is questionable or barely existent.

a dubious link

Implies the connection is uncertain and possibly unreliable.

a far-fetched association

Emphasizes the implausibility or forced nature of the connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tenuous connection" to describe a relationship that is weak or uncertain. For example, "The evidence presented in court established only "a tenuous connection" between the suspect and the crime scene."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a weak link", "a slim connection", or "a fragile link" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a tenuous connection" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a weak or uncertain relationship. However, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the strength of the connection you're describing.

What's the difference between "a tenuous connection" and "no connection"?

"A tenuous connection" implies that there is some relationship, however slight or uncertain, while "no connection" means there is absolutely no relationship at all. Using the correct phrase depends on the specific context and accuracy of description.