in connection with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in connection with" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a relationship between two things or ideas. For example: "My research focuses on urban development in connection with population growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But never in connection with evil.

The New Yorker

So far 74 people have been arrested: 26 people in connection with Operation Weeting, 41 in connection with Operation Elveden and seven in connection with Operation Tuleta.

The Guardian

No one has been arrested in connection with that attack.

The New York Times

SFO arrests three men in connection with investigations into Libor.

The Guardian - Business

Or even been photographed in connection with the case.

The Guardian

This was in connection with his dealings with Continental Illinois.

The New Yorker

"I worry about that in connection with the tribes.

The New York Times - Arts

No one has been charged in connection with the inquiry.

The New York Times

He is not charged in connection with the Sliwa case.

The New York Times

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the crime.

The New York Times

Police are investigating 59 suspects in connection with the attacks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in connection with", consider whether a simpler alternative like "regarding" or "relating to" would be more appropriate. While "in connection with" is correct, it can sometimes sound unnecessarily verbose.

Common error

Avoid using "in connection with" in very informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "about" or "related to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in connection with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to specify a relationship or association. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase indicates a link between two things or ideas, as shown in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in connection with" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to establish a relationship or association between different elements. Ludwig AI highlights its function in linking ideas and actions, with a focus on establishing context or relevance. While it is widely used across different registers, it is particularly common in news reporting, formal writing, and scientific publications. When writing, it's important to consider whether simpler alternatives like "regarding" or "relating to" might be more appropriate for maintaining a natural and clear tone, especially in informal contexts. The phrase appears to be very common with high usage, confirming its status as a standard expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in relation to

Similar in meaning but can sometimes imply a more proportional or comparative link.

relating to

A broad and versatile option that indicates a general association.

relevant to

Emphasizes the pertinence and applicability of the subject at hand.

associated with

Highlights a linked or accompanying relationship.

concerning

A simpler and more direct alternative, often used to introduce a topic.

regarding

This is a more concise and direct alternative, suitable for many contexts where formality isn't a primary concern.

with regard to

Similar to "in relation to" but may suggest a more evaluative or judgmental approach.

pertaining to

Implies a direct relevance or relationship to a specific subject matter.

with reference to

More formal, often used when specifically citing or alluding to something.

in respect to

Indicates that the following information is being considered from a particular viewpoint.

FAQs

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

Use "in connection with" to link two related items or ideas, such as "The police arrested three men "in connection with" the bombing" or "This was "in connection with" his dealings with Continental Illinois".

What are some alternatives to "in connection with"?

Alternatives include "regarding", "relating to", or "pertaining to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "in connection with" formal or informal?

"In connection with" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for official documents, reports, and academic writing. In more casual settings, simpler options like "about" or "related to" might be preferable.

Which is more appropriate, "in connection with" or "with regard to"?

Both "in connection with" and "with regard to" are formal phrases. "In connection with" emphasizes a direct relationship, while "with regard to" often introduces a specific aspect or consideration.