a weak relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a connection or bond between two entities that lacks strength or depth, often in contexts like personal relationships, business partnerships, or data correlations. Example: "The study revealed a weak relationship between the two variables, indicating that they do not significantly influence each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They find at best a weak relationship between economic growth and the equilibrium rate.

The Economist

"These three aspects have a weak relationship at best to promoting homeownership," he said.

The New York Times

But the last few years suggest that the overnight fed funds rate has a weak relationship to housing.

The New York Times

"Sites with a weak relationship with their audience may struggle, especially if advertising networks are the only way they target their ads.

The Guardian - Tech

The aspect ratio had a weak relationship with the bacteria distribution and the removal efficiency.

Science of The Total Environment

M. bonariensis and Z. auriculata (considered crop pests) showed a weak relationship with land use.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

A weak relationship between decay exposure and ILLS strength loss, however, was observed.

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation

However, during lower intensity PA, there is a weak relationship between HR and EE [63].

Sports Medicine - Open

However, it indicates a weak relationship between understandable questions and useful questions.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

However, previous studies have shown a weak relationship between TMD, headache and low incidence of sport activity [18, 38].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, there is a weak relationship between city's per-capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and learning engagement.

Smart Learning Environments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weak relationship", be specific about the variables or entities involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "There's a weak relationship," specify "There's a weak relationship between exercise and weight loss in this study".

Common error

Avoid implying a causal link when describing "a weak relationship". A weak relationship indicates correlation, not causation. For example, do not write, "The weak relationship proves this causes that."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes the nature of the connection between two or more entities, indicating that the association lacks strength or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and well-supported.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a weak relationship" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a connection between two or more entities that lacks strength or significance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it is suitable for formal, neutral and professional discourse. When using the phrase, be sure to specify the entities involved and avoid overstating causation. Alternatives like "tenuous connection" or "slight association" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous connection

Emphasizes the fragility and instability of the link.

slight association

Highlights the minimal correlation between elements.

limited correlation

Focuses on the restricted extent of interdependence.

loose connection

Suggests a bond that is not firmly established or maintained.

marginal link

Indicates a connection that is barely significant or effective.

inconsequential association

Highlights the unimportance of the relationship.

negligible correlation

Points out that the interdependence is practically non-existent.

flimsy connection

Emphasizes the lack of substance and reliability in the association.

superficial association

Indicates a shallow or surface-level link.

tenuous association

Highlights how easily the association could change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak relationship" to describe a connection between two or more things that isn't strong or reliable. For example: "The study showed "a weak relationship" between smoking and exercise."

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

Alternatives include phrases such as "tenuous connection", "slight association", or "limited correlation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a weak relationship" is appropriate for formal writing, including scientific papers and reports, as it objectively describes the strength of a connection between variables.

What does it mean when a study finds "a weak relationship" between two variables?

It means that the variables don't have a strong or reliable connection. Changes in one variable don't consistently predict changes in the other. This doesn't mean there's no relationship, just that it's not a dominant one.