loose correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

"loose correlation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a relationship between two things that is not very strong or significant. For example, "There is a loose correlation between higher levels of education and higher income."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

However, it is worth noting that there is a loose correlation between the countries that have good female representation at ministerial level and child wellbeing.

The Guardian

It's a somewhat loose correlation, but as a general rule, counties where more people own property are also counties that were more likely to back Trump.

The Washington Post

They drew comfort from the work of Richard Easterlin, professor of economics at the University of Southern California, who trawled through the data in the 1970s and observed only a loose correlation between money and happiness.

The Economist

Recently, though, there does seem to have been at least a loose correlation, he says, because American banks, both directly and indirectly, are exposed to the debt of Greece and other troubled European countries.

The New York Times

But what we see so far is loose correlation, not reproducible causation.

BBC

A loose correlation is expected to exist between this untrustworthiness and the error affecting the predicted property.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Furthermore, a second important finding is that the critical factors present very loose correlations, which indicates that any model aiming at supporting the decision-making process for selecting the country to work abroad should introduce them very carefully.

Procedia Engineering

"Curiosity about neuroscience among economists has outstripped what we have to say, for now," admits Mr Camerer.A standard MRI identifies activity in too large a section of the brain to support much more than loose correlations.

The Economist

So there are loose correlations but little direct cause-and-effect.

TechCrunch

However, they may have a looser correlation to the levels of phosphate in the early fermentation stage as compared with phosphorus.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

In a down year, a fund with a looser correlation to the index can outperform it — in other words, post smaller losses.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loose correlation", ensure the context clarifies what elements are being correlated and the nature of their limited relationship. Provide specific examples to illustrate the connection, even if it's not strong.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "loose correlation" as a strong indicator or definitive proof. Clearly acknowledge the limitations of the relationship to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose correlation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of the relationship between two or more variables, as shown in Ludwig examples. The Ludwig AI validates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loose correlation" is a grammatically correct and useful term for describing relationships that are present but not strong or definitive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in both scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid overstating the significance of the relationship. Consider alternatives such as "weak association" or "slight connection" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By acknowledging the limitations of the relationship, you enhance the credibility and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous correlation

Highlights the fragile and uncertain nature of the correlation.

weak association

Emphasizes the feebleness of the connection.

tenuous relationship

Highlights the fragility and uncertainty of the connection.

slight connection

Indicates a minimal degree of relatedness.

indirect link

Suggests that the relationship is not immediately obvious or straightforward.

marginal relevance

Focuses on the limited importance or significance of the connection.

vague association

Implies that the connection is unclear and ill-defined.

inconclusive relationship

Highlights the lack of definitive proof or strong evidence of a connection.

limited correspondence

Suggests that the points of similarity or agreement are few and far between.

distant connection

Implies that the elements are related but not closely.

FAQs

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

You can use "loose correlation" to describe a relationship between two variables that is not very strong. For example, "There is a "loose correlation" between exercise and weight loss, but other factors also play a role."

What's the difference between "loose correlation" and "strong correlation"?

"Loose correlation" indicates a weak or uncertain relationship, while "strong correlation" implies a clear and consistent relationship between variables.

What are some alternatives to "loose correlation"?

Alternatives to "loose correlation" include "weak association", "slight connection", or "tenuous relationship". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "loose correlation" in formal writing?

Yes, "loose correlation" is appropriate in formal writing, but be sure to provide sufficient context and avoid overstating the significance of the relationship. Acknowledge the limitations and potential confounding factors.