causal association

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "causal association" is correct and usable in written English.
It describes a link between two factors that suggests one has caused the other. For example, "Research suggests there is a causal association between smoking and lung cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was the first strong evidence of a causal association with neurological impairment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Haupt of Merck said that the company knew of the case but saw no "causal association".

The New York Times - Health

The epidemiological evidence for a causal association between cancer and RF energy is weak and limited.

The New York Times - Magazine

His "Fat Politics: The Real Story Behind America's Obesity Epidemic" (Oxford; $26) is an extended polemic against the causal association of overweight and ill health.

The New Yorker

Conclusions: No causal association seems to prevail between MMR vaccination and GBS.

The Journal of Pediatrics

Several recent studies have reported a causal association between stature and month of birth.

Early Human Development

However, empirical evidence establishing this causal association is scarce and has been provided only in adults.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

The causal association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains controversial.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Our patient with her short temporal proximity to therapy initiation and full recovery without recurrence would suggest a causal association.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Further studies are necessary to evaluate the association of other clinical correlates and its possible causal association.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Therefore, the causal association of any disease with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency should be judged cautiously.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific findings, specify the strength of the "causal association". Use qualifiers like 'strong', 'weak', or 'potential' to accurately represent the evidence.

Common error

Avoid implying a "causal association" based solely on correlation. Ensure your analysis includes evidence that the presumed cause precedes the effect and that confounding factors are ruled out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causal association" functions as a noun phrase that describes a relationship where one event or factor is believed to directly influence another. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's crucial to verify if an observed correlation truly represents causation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

26%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causal association" is a frequently used phrase, particularly within scientific and news contexts, to denote a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish between correlation and causation, providing evidence-based reasoning to support any claimed associations. Related phrases like "cause-and-effect relationship" and "causal link" offer similar meanings, but the strength of the connection should be carefully considered. Remember to specify the strength of the "causal association" when discussing scientific findings, and avoid implying causality based solely on correlation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Causal relationship

While almost identical in meaning, this version emphasizes the type of relationship involved.

Cause-and-effect relationship

This alternative explicitly highlights the direct relationship where one event leads to another.

Causal link

This phrase suggests a direct connection between two elements where one influences or determines the other.

Causative relationship

Similar to cause-and-effect, but it focuses on the agent that brings about the effect.

Association with causation

This emphasizes that the association is not merely coincidental, but has elements implying causation.

Connection with cause

Indicates a clear linkage to an underlying cause but may not fully establish a definitive causation.

Relationship with a cause

Suggests that a relationship exists, but the relationship strength might not be definitive or fully understood.

Influence

Implies a weaker effect where one factor affects the other without necessarily being the direct cause.

Correlation implying causation

This describes an association where correlation is present, suggesting causation but without definitive proof.

Determinant factor

Implies a critical cause that significantly affects an outcome, focusing more on the element that dictates the result.

FAQs

How is a "causal association" determined in research?

A "causal association" is determined through rigorous study designs, such as randomized controlled trials, alongside satisfying criteria like temporality, strength of association, consistency, specificity, and biological plausibility. These efforts help to confirm cause-and-effect, not just /s/correlation.

What are some alternatives to saying "causal association"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "cause-and-effect relationship", "causal link", or "causative relationship". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is a "causal association" the same as causation?

While a "causal association" suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, it doesn't automatically equal full causation. Causation requires more definitive proof, whereas "causal association" can indicate a potential or probable link that requires further investigation. Proving causation is more complex than identifying an /s/association.

How do I use "causal association" in a sentence?

You can use "causal association" to describe a suspected or confirmed relationship between two variables. For example: "Research suggests a strong "causal association" between smoking and lung cancer," or "Further studies are needed to determine the "causal association" between the new drug and the observed side effects".