correlate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "correlate with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that two or more things have a relationship to each other, or that one affects the other. For example, "The test scores correlated with the amount of time the students spent studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Export dependency is another correlate with English.

The Economist

How does he correlate with the constitution?

The New York Times

All of these things correlate with longevity.

The New York Times

Several factors correlate with English ability.

The Economist

And it doesn't correlate with leadership.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But wealth does not correlate with kindness.

The Guardian

These traits can correlate with personality.

The Guardian - Sport

Geography also continued to correlate with deaths.

The Guardian

Both motions correlate with important terrestrial events.

Britannica

Nor do they correlate with fame and recognition.

The New York Times

However, lower degree grades do correlate with higher unemployment rates.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "correlate with", ensure that the relationship you're describing is supported by evidence, not just anecdotal observation. Statistical significance strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that because two things "correlate with" each other, one necessarily causes the other. Correlation does not equal causation; further research is often needed to establish a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "correlate with" functions as a linking verb phrase, indicating a statistical or empirical relationship between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "correlate with" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a relationship or association between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". While primarily neutral to formal, it's essential to remember that correlation doesn't imply causation. When using this phrase, ensure your claims are supported by evidence and avoid implying a causal relationship without further proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate to

This alternative uses a more general term for connection or association.

associate with

This implies a connection or relationship, often suggesting a common cause or origin.

connect to

This suggests a direct link or relationship between two things.

tie in with

This implies a strong connection or link, often suggesting interdependence.

align with

This suggests a relationship of agreement or similarity.

correspond to

This indicates a direct relationship or similarity in structure or function.

is linked to

This passive construction emphasizes the connection between two elements.

is associated with

A passive phrasing that highlights connection, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

bears a relationship to

This formal phrasing denotes a connection or association between two items.

has a connection with

This uses a more explicit noun phrase to express the existence of a link.

FAQs

How can I use "correlate with" in a sentence?

Use "correlate with" to indicate a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things, such as "Higher education levels "correlate with" increased earning potential".

What's a good alternative to "correlate with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "relate to", "associate with", or "connect to" as alternatives to "correlate with".

Is it correct to say "is correlated to" instead of "correlate with"?

While "correlated to" might be encountered, "correlate with" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing in academic and professional writing. Consider using "is related to" instead of "correlated to" for better clarity.

What does it mean when two variables "correlate with" each other?

When two variables "correlate with" each other, it means they have a statistical relationship, indicating that they tend to change together. However, this doesn't necessarily mean one causes the other.