correlation does not imply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "correlation does not imply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing statistical relationships to clarify that correlation does not mean causation. For example, "Just because ice cream sales and drowning incidents increase together, correlation does not imply that one causes the other." Alternative expressions include "correlation does not mean causation" and "correlation does not indicate causation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Correlation does not imply causality; plant growth rates may be strongly correlated with ice-cream sales but both are caused by good weather.

The Economist

Remember, correlation does not imply causation.

The New York Times - Science

Not necessarily: correlation does not imply causation.

The Economist

Of course correlation does not imply causality.

MIT Technology Review

Firstly, as is often said, correlation does not imply causation.

The Guardian

To be sure, correlation does not imply causation.

The Washington Post

We acknowledge that correlation does not imply causation.

Harvard Business Review

Correlation does NOT imply causation in any way.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The numerous factors contributing to the growth of diabetes and obesity throughout the world confirm that 'correlation does not imply causality' and that a significant linear correlation between BT consumption and diabetes prevalence does not imply that low-BT consumption could cause diabetes.

BMJ Open

The number of factors contributing to the growth of diabetes and obesity in the world confirms that 'correlation does not imply causality', and that a significant linear correlation between BT consumption and diabetes prevalence does not imply that low BT consumption could cause diabetes.

BMJ Open

William Sutherland and colleagues suggest twenty key points (such as 'no measurement is exact', 'correlation does not imply causation' and randomization avoids bias') that policymakers and the wider public should bear in mind when interpreting scientific claims.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "correlation does not imply" to prevent misinterpretations of statistical data. It's crucial in reports and discussions where relationships between variables are analyzed, ensuring the audience understands the limits of the findings.

Common error

Avoid the trap of implying causation simply because a correlation exists. Always explore other potential factors and provide a balanced discussion, rather than jumping to conclusions about cause and effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "correlation does not imply" functions as a disclaimer or a cautionary statement, primarily used in statistical, scientific, and analytical contexts. It serves to prevent the misinterpretation of correlational relationships as causal ones. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "correlation does not imply" is a critical reminder in data analysis and scientific reasoning, emphasizing that a relationship between variables doesn't automatically establish causation. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in diverse fields, particularly in science, news reporting, and academic writing. Its primary function is to caution against misinterpreting statistical correlations as direct cause-and-effect relationships. To avoid this error, it’s essential to investigate underlying factors and consider alternative explanations. This phrase serves as a staple in statistical discourse and serves to encourage clear, precise interpretation of data, especially when discussing potentially misleading relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correlation isn't causation

This is a more concise and informal way to express that correlation does not equal causation.

correlation isn't proof of causation

This alternative emphasizes that correlation doesn't provide definitive proof of a cause-and-effect relationship.

correlation doesn't establish causation

This version highlights that a correlational relationship fails to set up or demonstrate a causal connection.

correlation is not equivalent to causation

This emphasizes that correlation and causation are not the same thing.

correlation isn't necessarily causation

This softens the statement, acknowledging that while correlation doesn't automatically mean causation, it doesn't rule it out entirely.

a link does not prove causality

Focuses on the 'link' aspect of correlation, making it clear a relationship doesn't establish causation.

association doesn't equate to causation

This alternative uses "association" instead of "correlation", maintaining the original meaning.

just because things are related doesn't mean one causes the other

This is a more layman-friendly way of explaining the principle.

a relationship doesn't demonstrate cause and effect

This highlights the "relationship" aspect and specifies the absence of a demonstrated "cause and effect".

connecting two things doesn't make one the reason for the other

This is a longer, more explanatory version, emphasizing the lack of direct causation.

FAQs

How can I use "correlation does not imply" in a sentence?

You can use "correlation does not imply" to clarify that a relationship between two variables doesn't necessarily mean one causes the other. For example: "While there's a correlation between ice cream sales and crime rates, "correlation does not imply" that ice cream causes crime."

What are some alternative ways to express "correlation does not imply"?

You can use alternatives like "correlation isn't causation", "correlation is not equivalent to causation", or "association doesn't equate to causation depending on the context.

Is it incorrect to say correlation equals causation?

Yes, it is generally incorrect. "Correlation does not imply" that one variable causes another. A correlation simply means the variables tend to move together, not that one influences the other.

What's the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation indicates a statistical relationship between two variables, while causation means that one variable directly causes a change in another. "Correlation does not imply" causation because other factors might be involved, or the relationship could be coincidental.