an obvious connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear or easily identifiable relationship between two or more things. Example: "There is an obvious connection between regular exercise and improved mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I didn't think there was an obvious connection," she said.

The New York Times

Various artists make an obvious connection between gay culture and disco music.

The New York Times

Well, there is an obvious connection between what is done internationally and what we hope will happen domestically.

The New Yorker

There is an obvious connection here with the deprivations of the cloned world in "Never Let Me Go".

The New Yorker

Nothing has an obvious connection to anything else, and everything glints with irony and a sort of icy melancholy.

The New Yorker

Nothing has happened, but we have an obvious connection, and I often catch him looking at me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for the Vivaldi, Debussy and Ravel works on the second half, it was "hard to find an obvious connection," he admitted.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

An installation in the first room makes an overly obvious connection between Greek and Roman Classicism and Minimalism.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think the closest example is the case where you have a very obvious connection between environmental damage and a company's actions - something like the Bhopal case in India, where there was very little doubt you had enormous environmental and human health consequences," he said.

The Guardian

There was also a fairly obvious connection between Tracey Emin and "The Black Cat".

The Guardian - Books

Some, making a less obvious connection, think that Turkish debt prices may have fallen slightly in response to the woes on the other side of the Black Sea.Overall, though, trading in emerging-market debt remains remarkably buoyant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious connection", ensure that the connection you're describing is indeed readily apparent to your audience. If there's any room for misinterpretation, provide additional context or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious connection" when the connection is tenuous or requires significant inference. Doing so can undermine your credibility and confuse your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It signifies that a link or relationship between two or more entities is easily recognized or understood. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious connection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights a clear and easily recognizable relationship. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, make sure the connection you're describing is indeed obvious to your audience to avoid any misinterpretations. While alternatives like "a clear association" or "a distinct relationship" exist, the key is to ensure that the connection being described is, in fact, readily apparent. By understanding the function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "an obvious connection" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear association

Focuses on the clarity of the link, implying ease of understanding.

a distinct relationship

Emphasizes the separateness and recognizability of the connection.

a manifest link

Highlights the readily apparent nature of the connection.

an evident correlation

Suggests a relationship where one thing directly affects another.

a transparent relationship

Implies the connection is easily seen and understood, lacking complexity.

a plain connection

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the relationship.

a straightforward link

Focuses on the direct and uncomplicated nature of the link.

a patent connection

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the connection.

an undeniable relationship

Stresses the irrefutable nature of the connection.

an unambiguous correlation

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "an obvious connection" in a sentence?

Use "an obvious connection" to highlight a clear and easily recognizable relationship between two or more things. For example, "There's "an obvious connection" between smoking and lung cancer".

What are some alternatives to "an obvious connection"?

You can use alternatives such as "a clear association", "a distinct relationship", or "an evident correlation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious connection"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very obvious connection" can be redundant. The word "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using "clear association" or "distinct relationship" instead for more concise writing.

When is it appropriate to use "an obvious connection"?

It's appropriate when the relationship is readily apparent and requires minimal explanation. Avoid using it when the connection requires in-depth analysis or is open to interpretation.