connect the dots between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "connect the dots between" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when describing the process of understanding or discovering a connection or relationship between different things or ideas. Example: It took me a while to connect the dots between her sudden change in behavior and the stressful situation at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is, the ability to connect the dots between people and ideas, where others see no possible connection.

Harvard Business Review

They connect the dots between the seen and unseen worlds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Put simply, they did not connect the dots between politics and economics.

The New York Times

But we've known little about where their money comes from, beyond efforts to connect the dots between different groups.

The Guardian

A primary purpose of the exhibit, Dr. Jackler said, is to connect the dots between now and then.

The New York Times

They connect the dots between school and their own purpose, gaining newfound respect for teachers trying to help them.

The Washington Post

It's time to connect the dots between the Tom Cable assault allegations in Oakland and the record of this team.

The New Yorker

They don't necessarily know how to connect the dots between a racing heart, a stomach ache, feeling dizzy and anxiety.

The Washington Post

The new shopping Web site, LifeStyleMirror.com, seeks to connect the dots between editorializing and consuming fashion's latest offerings.

The New York Times

Somehow the development goals must connect the dots between development and protection of Earth's life support system.

The New York Times

Staff connect the dots between economics and policy and are passionate about working with organizations to inform development policy.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "connect the dots between", ensure that the elements you are connecting are clearly defined for better understanding. For example, "Connect the dots between marketing efforts and sales figures to assess campaign effectiveness."

Common error

Avoid using "connect the dots between" to link elements that are too vaguely related. Instead, ensure there's a clear, logical relationship. For example, instead of saying "connect the dots between happiness and global warming", specify a measurable aspect, like "connect the dots between sustainable practices and community well-being".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "connect the dots between" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of linking disparate elements to form a coherent understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "connect the dots between" is a widely used and grammatically correct idiomatic expression that signifies establishing a relationship or understanding between seemingly unrelated elements. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia, it serves the purpose of revealing underlying patterns and causal links. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and relevance in the connections made. While acceptable in formal writing, precise alternatives might be preferable in highly specialized contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

see the connection between

Focuses on the perception of an existing relationship.

identify a relationship between

Highlights the act of noticing how things are related.

relate one thing to another

Shows a direct association between two items or concepts.

establish a link between

Focuses on creating a direct relationship or association.

associate X with Y

States a connection or link between two specific elements.

draw a parallel between

Highlights similarities and comparisons between distinct entities.

uncover the link between

Focuses on discovering a previously unknown connection.

find a correlation between

Emphasizes a statistical or empirical relationship.

determine the interplay between

Implies a mutual interaction and relationship between elements.

bridge the gap between

Implies overcoming a separation to create a connection.

FAQs

What does it mean to "connect the dots between"?

To "connect the dots between" means to understand the relationship or link between different pieces of information or events, revealing a pattern or a bigger picture.

How can I use "connect the dots between" in a sentence?

You can use it to show how seemingly unrelated things are actually linked, such as: "The detective was able to "see the connection between" the clues and solve the mystery."

What are some alternatives to "connect the dots between"?

Alternatives include "establish a link between", "identify a relationship between", or "relate one thing to another" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "connect the dots between" in formal writing?

Yes, "connect the dots between" is acceptable in formal writing. However, in highly academic or scientific contexts, more precise alternatives like "find a correlation between" or "determine the interplay between" might be preferable.