causal link

USAGE SUMMARY

"causal link" is correct and can be used in written English.
A causal link is a relationship between two events where one event causes the other. For example, "Experts identified a causal link between air pollution and respiratory illnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a causal link.

The Guardian

Is there a causal link?

The New York Times

I do not suggest any causal link.

Independent

"There is a causal link between funding and educational opportunity".

The New York Times

After a causal link was confirmed, the vaccine was withdrawn.

The New York Times

Manson doesn't recall quite such a direct causal link.

The Guardian - Music

This allegation includes a causal link.

Columbia University

"No causal link was established between autism and the vaccine.

The Guardian

The Duke study stops short of drawing a causal link.

The New York Times

But the causal link is tenuous at best.

Harvard Business Review

A correlation does not prove a causal link.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific findings or research, explicitly state the "causal link" if one has been definitively proven through rigorous experimentation and data analysis. Avoid implying causality when only correlation is observed.

Common error

Be cautious of assuming a "causal link" simply based on observed correlations. Correlation does not equal causation, and there might be other confounding factors at play. Always investigate potential alternative explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causal link" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific type of relationship between two entities or events. Ludwig examples show its frequent usage in establishing connections in research and arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causal link" is a frequently used noun phrase to denote a direct relationship where one event or factor causes another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Its presence across various sources, from news articles to scientific papers, underscores its versatility and importance in conveying relationships between cause and effect. When using this phrase, it's crucial to distinguish between correlation and causation, ensuring that sufficient evidence supports the asserted relationship. Remember to avoid assuming causation from correlation. Alternative phrases, like "cause-and-effect relationship" or "etiological relationship", offer subtle variations in emphasis and context, providing writers with options to tailor their language for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause-and-effect relationship

Emphasizes the sequential relationship between cause and effect.

cause-effect connection

Highlights the bond between a cause and its resulting effect.

link of causality

Another variation emphasizing the presence of a causal relationship.

relationship of causation

Formal way to describe a causal relationship.

etiological relationship

Focuses on the cause or origin of a disease or condition, more specific to medical contexts.

association of cause and effect

Highlights the correlative nature of cause and effect.

connection of cause and consequence

Focuses on the outcome or result of a cause.

impact of cause on effect

Emphasizes the influence or effect of the cause.

influence of factor on outcome

Generalizes the relationship beyond direct causation.

the reason why

Refers to the reason something happened. It's a more general way to express causality.

FAQs

How can I use "causal link" in a sentence?

You can use "causal link" to describe a relationship where one event or factor directly causes another. For example, "The study established a "causal link" between smoking and lung cancer."

What are some alternatives to "causal link"?

Alternatives include "cause-and-effect relationship", "etiological relationship" (especially in medical contexts), or simply "causal relation".

Is there a difference between correlation and "causal link"?

Yes, correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, but a "causal link" implies that one variable directly causes the other. Correlation does not prove causation.

How can I identify a genuine "causal link"?

Establishing a "causal link" requires rigorous evidence, often including controlled experiments, statistical analysis, and ruling out other potential causes. It's more than just observing a connection.