just correlates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just correlates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is simply related or connected without implying causation or deeper significance. Example: "The data from the two studies just correlates, but it doesn't prove a direct relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If a married twin has a higher wage than his single brother, the difference is probably caused by marriage, not just correlated with it.

The New York Times

"One in 10 stations in New York are Spanish, so if you just correlate radio stations with population, there are about half as many as there should be".

The New York Times

This is a novelty since most of the existing papers just correlate the immigrant's cultural attitude to the labor market performance.

IZA Journal of Migration

But he warns that just because it was larger when the brain began to expand doesn't mean that the sense of smell drove the size increase it could just correlate with enlargement caused by another adaptation.

Science Magazine

"They don't dig enough into the news to figure out what the incident was or where the place was, they just correlate 'drone strike' with Pakistan and have this image of a country that's troubled, but that is happening in the north and in the tribal areas," Zafar said.

TechCrunch

The phenomenon is often referred to as the reliability/validity dilemma: A test (or index) that maximizes reliability will contain only very similar components and will hence not be sensitive to the differences on outcome variables that are either caused by or cause, or are just correlated with, a much broader range of other measures.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Finally, the researchers divided the time period into four smaller slices, ranging from 40 to 150 years each, to ascertain whether major events during these eras are actually caused by temperature differences within a given period, not just correlated with it.

Science Magazine

You've heard the majority of successful people wake up early, but waking up early is just correlated with success, it doesn't cause it.

Huffington Post

Children may not be armed with a tape measure, but they are definitely internalizing the message that beauty and happiness are more than just correlated.

Huffington Post

The change in alertness was just correlated with performances on the 2-back task.

Plosone

The unique feature and strength of using synergy networks resulting from gene expression analysis is that it focuses on finding genes that are cooperatively correlated with disease, rather than just correlated with disease, and therefore it can be helpful for the inference of pathways responsible for disease.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just correlates", ensure that you are explicitly stating the lack of a causal relationship to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, clarify that two factors are related without one necessarily causing the other.

Common error

Avoid implying that because two variables "just correlate" one causes the other. Always clarify the relationship to prevent readers from making that assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just correlates" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a relationship exists between two or more variables, but without implying causation. It is used to temper claims, ensuring that the relationship is understood as an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect link. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just correlates" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for describing a relationship between two or more variables without implying causation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's important to use this phrase accurately to avoid misleading readers into assuming a cause-and-effect relationship. While direct examples are not available, it's clear that the phrase is best suited for formal, analytical, and technical contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternative expressions like "simply relates" or "merely associates" for stylistic variation. Be sure to emphasize the lack of causation to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just links

A more concise way of indicating a basic connection.

simply relates

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated connection.

are merely correlated

Adds emphasis on the 'correlated' aspect with an intensifier.

merely associates

Emphasizes the limited connection, suggesting a superficial relationship.

correlates without causation

Explicitly states that the connection is not causal.

only connects

Underscores the exclusivity of the link, implying no other relationships exist.

are weakly related

Indicates a slight or tenuous connection.

is nominally associated

Highlights a formal but perhaps insignificant connection.

corresponds coincidentally

Suggests the correlation is due to chance or coincidence.

correlates in name only

Implies the correlation is superficial or misleading.

FAQs

How can I use "just correlates" in a sentence?

You can use "just correlates" to indicate that two or more things are related without implying that one causes the other. For example, "The data points just correlate, but further research is needed to determine causation."

What's the difference between "just correlates" and implies causation?

"Just correlates" means there is a relationship between two things without one necessarily causing the other. Implies causation, on the other hand, suggests that one thing directly causes the other. It's important to distinguish between correlation and causation.

What are some alternatives to "just correlates"?

You can use alternatives like "simply relates", "merely associates", or "only connects" depending on the context.

Is it incorrect to use "just correlates"?

No, it is grammatically correct. However, it's crucial to use it accurately to avoid implying causation when there's only a correlation. Ensure the context clarifies the type of relationship.