are in direct proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in direct proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship where one quantity increases or decreases in direct relation to another quantity. Example: "In this experiment, the amount of gas produced are in direct proportion to the temperature applied."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Studies have shown that they are in direct proportion to the amount of salt that's been put down on the road," Mr. Leonard said.

The New York Times

Civil penalties are charged on a per barrel basis – up to $4,300 each – so BP's liabilities are in direct proportion to the size of the leak.

The Guardian - Business

When viewed on an iPad — the box's dimensions are in direct proportion to the device — the dances can be reframed to confound the viewer's sense of orientation.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition, they are in direct proportion to the square root of the indenters' half-width, which is in good agreement with R-T dislocation model solution.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Note that the computational overhead and the false-positive rate are in direct proportion; as the high computational cost increases, so does the false-positive rate.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

This notion is supported by the effort justification theory (Aronson & Mills, 1959), which states that people's expectations are in direct proportion to his/her effort.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It's in direct proportion," said Fred Stutzmann of Stutzmann Realty.

The New York Times

And the gruesomeness of their deaths was in direct proportion to how loved those characters were.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The insensitivity of this intrusion is in direct proportion to the trauma that it causes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seduction is in direct proportion with the degree in which the political hybridizes with the popular and infects media.

Cornell University

The fluorescence intensity produced is in direct proportion to the template quantity.

Analytical Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are in direct proportion", ensure that the relationship between the two quantities is indeed linear and consistent. Avoid using it loosely to describe any positive correlation, as this phrase implies a specific mathematical relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "are in direct proportion" when the relationship between two variables is simply a general trend or correlation. Direct proportionality implies a precise mathematical relationship where the ratio between the variables remains constant. For a more general positive correlation, consider using "are positively correlated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in direct proportion" functions as a relational phrase, indicating a specific mathematical relationship between two or more quantities. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to describe scenarios where one variable changes predictably and linearly with another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are in direct proportion" accurately describes a linear relationship between quantities, implying that as one increases or decreases, the other changes at a constant rate. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct phrase, frequently found in science and news media. When writing, use this phrase when a precise and quantifiable relationship is intended and avoid using it loosely for simple positive correlations. Consider alternatives such as "are directly proportional to" for conciseness. Ensure to match singular or plural verb forms to your subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are directly proportional to

Replaces "in direct proportion" with "directly proportional", a more concise and commonly used phrasing.

share a directly proportional relationship

Highlights the directly proportional nature and provides greater emphasis and clarity that there is a relation with direct proportion.

vary directly with

Focuses on the variation between the two elements, indicating that when one changes, the other changes in a similar direction and magnitude.

are linked linearly with

Specifies that the relationship between the two entities can be modelled by a line, showing they vary at a constant rate.

are in a linear relationship

Suggests that a change in one entity will cause a predictable and constant change in the other.

increase proportionally with

Highlights that as one quantity increases, the other also increases at a consistent rate.

have a constant ratio

Emphasizes that the relationship between the two quantities remains the same regardless of their absolute values.

are in direct correlation with

Similar to 'correlated positively', but implies a stronger linear relationship.

are correlated positively with

Emphasizes a positive correlation between the variables, indicating they tend to move in the same direction, but not necessarily at a constant rate.

rise and fall together

A more figurative expression indicating a shared fate or a linked pattern of change.

FAQs

How can I use "are in direct proportion" in a sentence?

Use "are in direct proportion" to indicate that two quantities increase or decrease at a constant ratio. For example, "The amount of salt and the melting point of ice "are in direct proportion"."

What's a simpler way to say "are in direct proportion"?

Alternatives include "are directly proportional to" or "vary directly with". These options are often more concise and easier to understand.

Is it correct to say "is in direct proportion" or should it always be "are in direct proportion"?

The correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is in direct proportion" for singular subjects (e.g., "The effort is in direct proportion to the reward") and "are in direct proportion" for plural subjects (e.g., "The costs are in direct proportion to the benefits").

How does "are in direct proportion" differ from "are correlated"?

"Are in direct proportion" indicates a specific, linear relationship where the ratio between two quantities is constant. "Are correlated" simply means that the two quantities tend to move together, but not necessarily at a constant rate. "Are correlated positively with" might work better.