loose connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"loose connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lack of relationship or a tenuous link between two things. For example, "the argument between them had a loose connection to the real issue".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both features make it easier for you to get the snow chains on the tires; you then connect the split ends of the chain, or tighten the loose connection so the snow chains can't fall off.

WikiHow

The pelvic girdle of some reptiles has a loose connection with the spine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, as we'll see, these have only a loose connection to the objective of creating value.

Harvard Business Review

If the drill goes on and off, there's a loose connection in the plug.

The New York Times

Humber already has a loose connection with two talented Mets pitchers.

The New York Times - Sports

In many cases, the open ground can be traced to a loose connection in the box.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In each division, there were also some local coordinators who were connected to front line staff, but who had loose connections with those higher on the organizational hierarchy (e.g. professional consultants, managers, members of the office of the MOH).

BMC Health Services Research

Keep an eye out for rust, loose connections, condensation on the ducts, and gaps where ducts connect to one another.

HuffPost

Today, distributed systems with loose connections are increasingly developed using event-based architectures.

Procedia Computer Science

Bent and damaged cords and loose connections in the headphone jack can hurt sound quality.

The New York Times

It relies on people forming loose connections quickly — something that modern technology excels at.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loose connection" when you want to downplay the strength or significance of a relationship between two or more things. It suggests a connection exists, but it is not strong or reliable.

Common error

The phrase "loose connection" means a weak or tenuous relationship, while "lost connection" refers to a connection that has been severed or broken entirely. Using them interchangeably will confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose connection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a relationship or association that is not strong or firmly established. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loose connection" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a weak or tenuous relationship between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, it's important to remember that "loose connection" indicates a weak or unreliable association, unlike "lost connection", which means a connection that has been broken entirely. Using synonyms like "tenuous link" or "indirect association" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous link

Emphasizes the weakness and fragility of the connection.

indirect association

Highlights that the connection is not direct or immediate.

weak relationship

Focuses on the insubstantial nature of the bond or association.

slight correlation

Indicates a minimal statistical relationship between variables.

peripheral relevance

Suggests that the connection is on the outer edges of importance or significance.

distant tie

Conveys that the connection is remote or far removed.

vague link

Highlights the lack of clarity or definition in the connection.

informal association

Indicates that the connection is not official or structured.

minimal interdependence

Stresses the limited degree to which things rely on each other.

tenuous association

Highlights the uncertainty and unreliability of the connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "loose connection" to describe a tenuous or weak relationship between two things. For example, "There is a "loose connection" between the suspect and the victim".

What are some alternatives to "loose connection"?

Alternatives include "tenuous link", "indirect association", or "weak relationship". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "loose connection"?

Yes, "loose connection" is grammatically correct. "Loose" is an adjective modifying the noun "connection".

What's the difference between "loose connection" and "loose connections"?

"Loose connection" refers to a single weak link, while "loose connections" refers to multiple such links or a network of weak relationships. The plural form implies a broader, less defined set of associations.