immediate association

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate association" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or direct connection or relationship between two concepts or ideas. Example: "The immediate association between the smell of fresh bread and childhood memories brought a smile to her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Academic

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

While most models won't be recognised by most consumers, these famous faces provide immediate association.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a shot we have all seen many times before, so it triggers an immediate association.

Harvard Business Review

People often make an immediate association between earache and ear infection.

Harvard University

"The Iranians of my immediate association turned out to be far from paragons of virtue," he said.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the most immediate association for me, the first word or phrase that I think of among that range is this one: six million.

The Guardian

Vast canvases, twice Wallinger's height and arm span, look at first like gigantic Rorschach tests; or at least this is the immediate association (Rorschachs being all about visual association and our compulsion to find the figurative in the abstract).

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In her native Ireland, her surname evokes immediate associations to that country's eminent acting clan.

The New York Times

Today, our two immediate associations to syphilis are genital sores and a very slowly developing disease, leading to the death of many untreated victims only after many years.

TechCrunch

Zen Buddhism and lazers are probably not two immediate associations you'd make in your mind.

Vice

The concert felt remarkably easygoing, considering the immediate associations engendered by Andriessen's well-known music.

Los Angeles Times

We observed immediate associations between PNC and IL-6 and cumulative effects between PM10 and fibrinogen.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "immediate association" to clearly convey a strong and direct link between two ideas or concepts, especially when emphasizing the speed and obviousness of the connection. For example, 'The audience made an "immediate association" between the character's actions and their past trauma.'

Common error

Avoid using "immediate association" when describing complex or nuanced relationships that require deeper analysis. This phrase is best suited for connections that are readily apparent. Instead, consider phrases that reflect deeper levels of analysis such as 'underlying connection' or 'subtle relationship'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate association" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a direct connection or link made quickly. According to Ludwig, it appropriately describes a quick or direct connection or relationship between two concepts or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immediate association" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes a quick and direct connection between two concepts or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a readily apparent link, and consider alternatives like "direct connection" or "instant link" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid overusing it in complex scenarios where deeper analysis is required. Top sources like The Guardian and The New York Times showcase its widespread application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate link

Highlights immediacy without specific association.

direct link

Similar to direct connection, emphasizes the straight nature of the relationship but uses the word 'link'.

direct connection

Focuses on the straight, uncomplicated relationship.

instant connection

Emphasizes the speed and spontaneity of the link.

prompt link

Highlights the quickness of the linking.

rapid tie-in

Suggests a fast and integrated relationship.

spontaneous association

Indicates an unprompted and natural connection.

instantaneous correlation

Stresses the immediate and statistical relationship.

swift connection

Highlights the quick nature of the connection.

quick link

Focuses on the speed and ease of the connection.

FAQs

How can I use "immediate association" in a sentence?

You can use "immediate association" to describe a direct and quick connection someone makes between two things. For example, "The "immediate association" most people have with the word 'holiday' is relaxation."

What are some alternatives to "immediate association"?

Alternatives include "direct connection", "instant link", or "spontaneous association", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "an immediate association" or should I omit the article?

Using the article "an" is generally correct because "association" is a countable noun. You would say "an "immediate association"" when referring to a single, specific instance.

What's the difference between "immediate association" and "correlation"?

"Immediate association" implies a direct link that is readily perceived, while "correlation" refers to a statistical relationship that may not be immediately obvious and often requires analysis to uncover. "Immediate association" is based on perception, "correlation" is based on data.