a weak association

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak association" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as research, statistics, or discussions about relationships between variables. Example: "The study revealed a weak association between the two variables, suggesting that other factors may be influencing the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A weak association was found for breast cancer risk and soluble metalworking fluids [ 18].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

It's a weak association, but it seems to be significant.

The New York Times - Health

A weak association was observed between LEF-4 and LEF-9.

Virology

Some studies report either no or a weak association between cadmium exposure and bone damage.

Environmental Research

We observed a weak association between urinary MBP concentration and sperm concentration in Chongqing general population.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Phi value (0.151) obtained in this case signifies a weak association.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The Cramer's V coefficient obtained here (0.159) signifies a weak association between these two variables.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Nevertheless, they reported that density and design had a weak association with walking.

European Transport Research Review

However, a weak association of PFOA with the development of preeclampsia and congenital defectsh was noted.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A recent study reports a weak association between one GHSR variant and BMI [17].

Plosone

Others, such as V60L, V92M, and R163Q, only showed a weak association.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting research findings, use "a weak association" to accurately represent the strength of the relationship between variables, avoiding overstatement of the results. Be specific about the statistical measures that support this conclusion.

Common error

Avoid treating "a weak association" as evidence of causation. It indicates a possible relationship that requires further investigation, not a definitive cause-and-effect link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak association" functions as a descriptive term indicating a relationship between two or more variables that is not strong or statistically significant. Ludwig provides many examples in scientific and research contexts where this phrase is used to accurately portray findings without overstating them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

News & Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A weak association" is a phrase used to describe a relationship between variables that is not strong or statistically significant. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in scientific and academic contexts. When writing, it's essential to use this phrase accurately to avoid overstating research findings and to encourage further investigation. Common errors include misinterpreting a weak association as causation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, making it a valuable tool for understanding its proper usage. Alternatives include "a slight correlation" or "a tenuous connection", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight correlation

Indicates a statistical relationship that is small in magnitude.

a tenuous connection

Suggests the relationship is fragile and easily broken.

a limited link

Emphasizes the restricted nature or scope of the relationship.

a marginal relationship

Implies the relationship is barely significant or noticeable.

a faint connection

Highlights the lack of a clear or strong relationship.

a loose link

Suggests a connection that is not tightly controlled or defined.

a mild correlation

Similar to "slight correlation" but potentially even less impactful.

an unsubstantial relationship

Emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence or importance in the connection.

a negligible link

Suggests the link is so small that it's practically unimportant.

a slim chance

Emphasizes a low likelihood, which could imply a very weak association.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak association" to describe a relationship between two or more variables that is not statistically significant or has a low correlation. For example, "The study found "a weak association" between coffee consumption and heart disease".

What are some alternatives to saying "a weak association"?

Alternatives to "a weak association" include "a slight correlation", "a tenuous connection", or "a limited link", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a weak association" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where precise language is important. It accurately describes the strength of a relationship between variables without implying a stronger connection than exists.

What does it mean when a study reports "a weak association"?

When a study reports ""a weak association"", it means that the data suggests a possible relationship, but the evidence is not strong enough to draw definitive conclusions. Further research may be needed to confirm the relationship or identify other factors that may be involved.