a tenuous link

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous link" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or fragile connection between two ideas, concepts, or entities. Example: "The study attempted to establish a tenuous link between diet and mental health, but the evidence was not conclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yes, there may be a tenuous link with Islam.

The Economist

The main character is Dutch (obviously), which gives us a tenuous link to South Africa".

The Guardian - Sport

So Washington didn't sleep here, but there is still a tenuous link.

The New York Times

He even unearths a tenuous link with the bloodline of Nelson Mandela.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the sonata also bears a tenuous link to Scelsi's later fascination with the implications of single, repeated tones.

The New York Times - Arts

The woman's face at the top, partly broken up by abstract patches cutting across, retains a tenuous link to reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Through them, the connection between jazz and Latin is no longer a tenuous linking of formal elements, the borrowing of a scale or a stiffly delineated rhythm.

The New York Times - Arts

Hmmm: there is only a very tenuous link between voting arrangements and the misbehaviour of MPs.

The Economist

The pioneers were the derivatives exchanges: France's Matif forged a somewhat tenuous link with Germany's Deutsche Terminbörse, and later the DTB itself merged with its Swiss counterpart to form Eurex. Eurex, a screen-based exchange, did so well that it became the world's biggest derivatives exchange, taking over from the floor-based Chicago Board of Trade.

The Economist

Can you guess today's song and give a very tenuous link?! Best Of Dance 93 (Various Artists).

BBC

Some studies have reported a decline in lung function with airway inflammation, whilst others highlight a very weak tenuous link between air pollution and any effects on the respiratory system.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tenuous link", ensure the context clearly indicates why the connection is weak or uncertain. Provide specific details to support this assessment.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a tenuous link" as a strong or definitive connection. Misrepresenting the strength of the relationship can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous link" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies the noun "link". It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the nature of a relationship or connection. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a weak or fragile connection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tenuous link" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a weak or fragile connection. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is often found in diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic discourse, with examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase serves to express uncertainty or skepticism about a relationship, and writers should ensure they provide context to justify the characterization of the connection as "tenuous". While versatile, "a tenuous link" is best suited for neutral and formal writing, where clarity and precision are valued. Alternatives include "a fragile connection", but each alternative modifies the sentence´s nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile connection

Replaces "link" with "connection", emphasizing the delicacy and potential for breakage in the relationship.

a slight connection

Replaces tenuous with slight, suggesting that the association is barely noticeable.

a weak association

Substitutes "link" with "association", highlighting the lack of strong evidence or support for the relationship.

a slim connection

Using "slim" emphasizes the smallness and insubstantial nature of the link.

a unsubstantial tie

Using "tie" instead of "link" can imply a bond that is weak or lacks significance.

a remote possibility

Changes the focus to the chance of a connection existing, highlighting its unlikelihood.

a borderline association

Indicates the link exists only on the edge of being considered a valid association.

a distant relationship

Replaces "link" with "relationship", stressing the lack of close interaction or shared characteristics.

a dubious connection

Suggests there is reason to doubt the validity or strength of the connection.

a superficial relationship

Emphasizes that the connection is shallow and lacks depth or meaningful interaction.

FAQs

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

Use "a tenuous link" to describe a connection that is fragile, weak, or uncertain. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a tenuous link" between the suspect and the crime scene."

What are some alternatives to "a tenuous link"?

Alternatives include "a fragile connection", "a weak association", or "a slight connection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a tenuous link" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe a weak or uncertain relationship. Its use is widespread in "news and media", academic, and business contexts.

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

"A tenuous link" describes a connection that is weak, fragile, or uncertain, while "a strong connection" indicates a robust and well-established relationship. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of the strength of a relationship.