a thread of connections

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thread of connections" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of relationships or links between different ideas, people, or events. Example: "In her research, she discovered a thread of connections between historical events that shaped modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Salpeter unspooled a thread of connections that led from Mr. Steuerman to one of his associates, Joseph Creedon, then to a half dozen witnesses who gave sworn depositions that Mr. Creedon had told them that he and another man had killed the Tankleffs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Behind my eagerness to take on the Tatro estate, there was also a thread of connection that reached back several generations.

The New Yorker

Its elegiac power is greatly enhanced by the sense that it is always dealing with history, with contradictory versions of events, with inexplicable or unknowable things whose accessibility, even to the imagination, is fading and in danger of being lost forever but to which the reader is being given a thread of connection.

The New York Times - Books

Also, the items can document early literacy development along a continuum that has a thread of connection with early literacy acquisition theories.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Take the phrases, sentences, paragraphs out of context and they all sound like the same kind of hollow, pretentious, narrow-minded nonsense, but in fact there's a thread of logical connections by which they all hang together as more than the sum of their parts.

WikiHow

There is a thread of a connection here because long before the Pistols, McLaren managed the New York Dolls, trying to shock life into their dying career by dressing them as communists.

The Guardian - Music

The communal aspect and extraordinary preparation time (of up to an entire year) create a powerful thread of connection among those who participate.

The New York Times - Arts

He only obtained a slight sense of it later that evening when Scott Franklin, the well to do, living binary of geeky black-framed glasses, short hair and handsomeness who had loaned Billy the Top Siders informed him about the bloodline, establishing for Billy a translucent thread of connection between he and the Harding girl by the weave of he and her father's rather simple conversation.

Huffington Post

A new program at the research agency is aimed at creating a machine learning system that can sift through the innumerable events and pieces of media generated every day and identify any threads of connection or narrative in them.

TechCrunch

When a friend died, once the thread of connection with her preoccupations and passions was severed, her files turned into a pile of old papers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

15 1 A THREAD OF GRACE, by Mary Doria Russell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thread of connections", ensure the connections you're describing are not only linked but also contribute to a larger narrative or understanding. This adds depth and relevance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a thread of connections" to describe very tenuous or insignificant links. This can weaken your argument or make your writing seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thread of connections" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to describe a series of related or linked items, events, or ideas, often implying a narrative or logical sequence. Examples highlight its use in describing historical events, family histories, and even crime investigations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thread of connections" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a series of related items or events, often implying a narrative sequence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While not extremely frequent, it is a versatile phrase suitable for formal writing, adding depth by highlighting the relationships between different elements. When employing this phrase, ensure the connections are meaningful and contribute to a larger narrative. Remember to not overstate weak links so you don't detract from the strength of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a network of links

Focuses on the interconnectedness as a web or system.

a chain of relationships

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the connections.

a series of associations

Highlights the linked or related ideas, people or things

a web of associations

Highlights the complex interconnected nature

a pattern of relations

Focuses on the presence of a discernible design in the connections.

interwoven relationships

Highlights how relationships are intertwined and linked.

interlocking connections

Emphasizes how connections fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

a nexus of links

Emphasizes a central point where connections converge.

a tapestry of relations

Implies that relations are varied and interwoven creating a complex image.

underlying connections

Highlights those connections that are not immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "a thread of connections" in a sentence?

You can use "a thread of connections" to describe a series of related events, ideas, or people. For example: "The detective followed "a thread of connections" to solve the mystery."

What are some alternatives to "a thread of connections"?

Some alternatives to "a thread of connections" include "a network of links", "a chain of relationships", or "a series of associations", depending on the specific context.

How does "a thread of connections" differ from "a web of connections"?

"A thread of connections" suggests a linear or sequential relationship, whereas "a web of connections" implies a more complex, interconnected network.

Is it appropriate to use "a thread of connections" in formal writing?

Yes, "a thread of connections" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing related concepts or events in a clear and coherent manner. The examples found by Ludwig come from news, science and media context.