correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the relationship between two or more variables or factors. For example, "Recent studies have found a positive correlation between amount of exercise and stress reduction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the whole, the results do show a clear correlation between asset strength and brand reputation.

The Guardian

All these issues, especially crime, have been sensationalised by the tabloids beyond any correlation to the actual facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, there seems to be a direct correlation between how respected an award is and the palpable awkwardness of the winners.

The Guardian

Under Labour and the Tories there has been a strong correlation between party donations and appearances on honours lists.

The Guardian

The analysis was conducted by Dr Xi Li of Wuhan University in China, whose team found that the night-light loss showed a linear correlation with the number of people internally displaced from each Syrian province.

The Guardian

There was, he said, "a powerful correlation between the size of a city and the productivity of its inhabitants".

The Guardian

Abbott got into an unhappy tangle with the science of climate change in the first months of his prime ministership, dismissing the link between rising temperatures and bushfires and accusing the chief UN climate official of "talking through her hat" when she pointed out the correlation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Data from Ucas also shows that there is no clear correlation between a particular approach to fees and widening access to higher education.

The Guardian

I don't think there's any correlation between bicycle lanes and political activity.

The Guardian

"There was a correlation," he says, of the link between self-control and personality traits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Conceding that several of the criticisms are valid, John Jerrim, a lecturer at the Institute of Education, points to the strong correlation between student performance in Pisa and key stage 3 maths exams – and between Pisa and other tests such as TIMSS.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "correlation", be specific about whether it is positive, negative, or nonexistent. This clarity helps avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "correlation" implies causation. Just because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other. Always look for other possible explanations or confounding factors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "correlation" is as a noun. It refers to a statistical measure or relationship between two or more variables. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly used in various contexts to describe how things are related.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "correlation" is a noun denoting a statistical relationship between two or more variables. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, and its prevalence across various fields such as news, business, and science underscores its importance. While widely used, it's crucial to avoid confusing "correlation" with causation. Remember to specify the type of "correlation" (positive, negative, or nonexistent) for clarity. Related terms include "association", "relationship", and "connection", each offering subtle differences in meaning. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

association

Focuses on a general connection or link, without necessarily implying a statistical relationship.

relationship

Highlights a connection between two or more things, broader than a statistical measure.

connection

Emphasizes a direct link or bond between elements, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship but not always.

interrelation

Stresses the mutual relationship or reciprocal influence between two or more things.

interdependence

Highlights the mutual reliance and influence between two or more things.

correspondence

Suggests a similarity or analogy between two things, not necessarily a statistical relationship.

linkage

Focuses on the act or manner of linking things together, often implying a direct relationship.

tie-in

Implies a close connection or association, often used in marketing or business contexts.

mutual influence

Emphasizes the reciprocal impact that two or more things have on each other.

statistical dependence

Specifically refers to a statistical relationship where the occurrence of one event affects the probability of another.

FAQs

How is "correlation" used in research?

In research, "correlation" indicates a statistical relationship between two or more variables. It is used to explore possible connections, but further investigation is required to establish causality.

What's the difference between "correlation" and causation?

"Correlation" indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation means one variable directly causes a change in another. Just because two things are correlated doesn't mean one causes the other; there might be other factors involved.

What are some alternatives to using the word "correlation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "association", "relationship", or "connection". However, "correlation" specifically implies a statistical relationship.

How do you describe a strong "correlation"?

A strong "correlation" can be described as significant, high, or notable. However, it's important to quantify the strength of the "correlation" using a statistical measure, such as the "correlation" coefficient.