less obvious link

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less obvious link" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing connections or relationships that are not immediately apparent or easily recognized. Example: "While the main themes are clear, there is a less obvious link between the characters' motivations and the underlying societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's worth delving into the less obvious links between mineral resources and instability in eastern Congo to illustrate the potentially grave effects of a gold, lithium, or niobium rush in Afghanistan.

Huffington Post

Pivonka's team found a dazzling array of less obvious, circumstantial evidence linking both the juggler image and verse eight to Lake Park, including a map of a park footpath outlined in the juggler's hand and a distinctive three-trunk mulberry tree woven into the folds of the juggler's cape.

Vice

Ross played an active role in propagating within his own network the scientifc virtues of Roxburgh's discovery of the astringent bark Swietenia febrifuga But there were also other links, less obvious, between "Country trade" and "Country medicine".

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

But at about $20,000 GDP per capita, the link becomes less obvious, with people only 2% less likely to attain the highest levels of life satisfaction than in countries with the highest average incomes ($54,000).

The Guardian

Even though the link between perceived accessibility of childcare and quality is less obvious, there may be an indirect link.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

It is less obvious whether this card is linked to the account receiving the money, although Wonga said it does require both accounts to be held in the same name.

The Guardian - Money

This idea remains more or less true, in spite of its obvious link with late romanticist psychology.

SEP

However, the gene is located on the Y chromosome and is believed to participate in spermatogenesis [ 22], thus making a direct link to ALS less obvious.

Acta Neuropathologica

Conclusion: I hope the QR code links to something less obvious than one of the artist's social media sites.

Vice

However, in the complete table (Table S2 in Additional file 3) there are also features or functions where the link to survival is less obvious.

BMC Genomics

Dependency trees provide a convenient and natural way to link nuclei, but the situation becomes less obvious for the words inside a single nucleus.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less obvious link", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to infer the connection, even if it's not immediately apparent. Use supporting details to clarify the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "less obvious link" when there is virtually no discernible connection, as this can confuse the reader. Ensure there is some basis for a relationship, even if it requires further explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less obvious link" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a relationship or association that is not immediately apparent. This contrasts with direct or easily noticeable connections. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less obvious link" denotes a connection that is not immediately apparent, requiring further investigation or thought to be understood. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. It is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts to highlight relationships that are subtle or require deeper analysis. While examples are somewhat rare, related phrases such as "subtle connection" or "indirect relationship" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that sufficient context is provided to allow the reader to grasp the underlying connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle connection

Replaces "less obvious" with "subtle", focusing on the understated nature of the connection.

indirect relationship

Uses "indirect" instead of "less obvious", highlighting the roundabout nature of the relationship.

tenuous association

Emphasizes the weak or fragile nature of the link.

underlying connection

Focuses on a connection that is present but not immediately visible.

unseen relationship

Highlights that the relationship is not readily apparent.

veiled association

Suggests the association is hidden or obscured.

implicit connection

Indicates the connection is implied but not explicitly stated.

covert relationship

Implies the relationship is deliberately concealed.

non-explicit connection

Directly states the connection isn't explicit.

arcane association

Suggests the association is understood by few.

FAQs

How can I use "less obvious link" in a sentence?

You can use "less obvious link" to describe a connection that is not immediately apparent but exists upon closer examination. For example, "There's a "less obvious link" between the economic policy and the rise in social unrest."

What are some alternatives to "less obvious link"?

Alternatives include "subtle connection", "indirect relationship", or "tenuous association", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "less obvious link" or "subtle connection"?

Both "less obvious link" and "subtle connection" are valid. "Less obvious link" implies the connection exists but is not easily seen, while "subtle connection" suggests the connection is delicate or understated.

What's the difference between "less obvious link" and "hidden link"?

"Less obvious link" suggests the connection is not immediately apparent but can be found with some thought. "Hidden link" implies the connection is intentionally concealed or not easily discoverable.