find a correlation between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find a correlation between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relationship or connection between two or more variables or factors in research or analysis. Example: "In this study, we aim to find a correlation between exercise frequency and mental health outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(It did, however, find a correlation between a low credit score and an agreeable personality).

The New York Times

"One thing that was interesting to us is that we didn't find a correlation between language and citizenship and poverty status," Ms. Dye said.

The New York Times

I've always been fascinated by what makes people create, trying to find a correlation between the ideas I subscribe to in art and what we create with music.

The New York Times - Style

To determine what sort of people are in each electorate I factor analysed ABS 2011 census data to find a correlation between different variables that indicate a profile.

The Guardian

Greenberg also failed to find a correlation between the number of police in a precinct and the prevention of violent crime.

The New Yorker

And if you do find a correlation between gas pedal and speed, that correlation could go either way.

The Economist

Additionally, BrightEdge did not always find a correlation between the number of friends or followers and search rank.

TechCrunch

The authors did not find a correlation between ectopic bone and increased leg pain.

The Spine Journal

We find a correlation between low basal roughness, fast ice flow, and subglacial troughs.

Geomorphology

We find a correlation between an increasingly negative zeta potential and increased oil recovery.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

But they did find a correlation between measures of happiness and hosting sporting events.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find a correlation between", clearly define the variables you are comparing to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if you are examining a positive or negative correlation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because you "find a correlation between" two variables, one necessarily causes the other. Always consider other potential factors or confounding variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a correlation between" serves as a verb phrase that introduces the action of discovering or identifying a statistical relationship or association between two or more variables. As shown by Ludwig, this expression is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find a correlation between" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily used to describe the discovery or identification of a statistical relationship between variables. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for use in various contexts, especially within scientific research and news reporting. Remember to avoid assuming causation based solely on correlation and to clearly define the variables under consideration. To improve clarity, use specific vocabulary in place of the phrase, such as "identify a relationship between" or "establish a link between", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify a relationship between

Replaces "find" with a more formal verb, emphasizing the act of recognizing a connection.

establish a link between

Substitutes "correlation" with "link", implying a connection that may not be strictly statistical.

determine the association between

Uses "determine" for a more conclusive finding and replaces "correlation" with "association", implying a relationship.

investigate the connection between

Emphasizes the act of exploring the relationship rather than simply finding it.

explore the relationship between

Similar to "investigate", but with a slightly broader scope, suggesting a more open-ended inquiry.

analyze the correlation between

Focuses on a detailed examination of the statistical relationship.

study the association between

Highlights the academic or research-oriented approach to understanding the relationship.

seek a connection between

Emphasizes the active pursuit of finding a relationship, suggesting it may not be immediately obvious.

look for a relationship between

An informal alternative, similar in meaning but less formal than "seek".

discover a correlation between

Highlights the act of uncovering a previously unknown relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "find a correlation between" in a sentence?

You can use "find a correlation between" to describe the process of discovering a statistical relationship between two or more variables. For example: "The researchers aimed to "find a correlation between" smoking and lung cancer."

What's the difference between "find a correlation between" and "establish a link between"?

"Find a correlation between" typically implies a statistical relationship, while "establish a link between" suggests a more general connection that may not be quantifiable.

What can I say instead of "find a correlation between"?

You can use alternatives like "identify a relationship between", "determine the association between", or "investigate the connection between depending on the context.

Is it always correct to assume causation when I "find a correlation between" two things?

No, correlation does not equal causation. Just because you "find a correlation between" two variables doesn't mean one causes the other. There could be other factors at play, or the relationship could be coincidental.