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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
loose index
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "loose index" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to data organization, referencing, or categorization where the index is not tightly defined or structured. Example: "The report contained a loose index, making it difficult to locate specific information quickly."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The loose index: less wheezing (<3/year) plus one major criterion or two minor criteria.
Science
Move your hand rapidly up and down, forcing the loose index finger to make a banging noise on the side of the tin.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Castro-Rodríguez et al. [ 94] published in 2000 one of the first work on predictive modeling for asthma development in children, where two clinical indices were built: the loose asthma predictive index and the stringent asthma predictive index.
The effects the raw material characteristics, pre-heating and heating temperatures and dwell times had on loss on ignition (LOI), mineralogy, bloating index (BI), loose bulk density (ρb), apparent and dry particle density (ρa, ρd), water absorption after 24 h (WA24h) as well as the compressive strength (S) of the aggregates were all studied.
But first: it turns out Bacon Index is a loose collection of Japanese DJs, artists, and designers.
News & Media
Keep your grip loose by using only your index finger and thumb.
Wiki
Do not tolerate it, you can tell a friend, parent, etc When looking for school supplies buy these cool basics: binders, cool pencils, cute pens, folders, loose paper packages, pretty colored index cards etc. Study, study, study!
Wiki
For bears, management agencies rarely rely strictly on population estimates to assess trend [29], instead often employing a loose collection of information, including indices derived from harvest data (e.g., changes in age structure, sex ratios, hunting success, bears killed per unit of hunting effort, etc).
Science
For WED-based, an analytical model residing on the Hertzian contact theory was established, whereby WED was linked to the residual torque of a loose bolt, contributing to a linear index.
The more refined way is to hold the can with your thumb, middle and ring fingers, allowing the index finger to remain loose.
Wiki
The void contents of different sized limestone and basalt aggregates in loose condition were tested to validate the AT index.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Clearly define what a "loose index" entails within your specific context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity for your audience.
Common error
Avoid assuming that a "loose index" is inherently unreliable; it can be appropriate when precision isn't critical or when broad trends are more important than exact measurements.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "loose index" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "loose" modifies the noun "index". It describes a type of index that is not strictly defined or precisely measured, as also shown in Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
News & Media
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "loose index" is a grammatically sound term that signifies a flexible or imprecisely defined metric. Though its occurrence is relatively rare, according to Ludwig, it finds application across various domains, including science, wikis and media. When employing "loose index", clarity is paramount to prevent misinterpretations and a deep understanding of context is important to ensure the right level of semantic understanding. Consider opting for alternatives like "flexible indicator" or "approximate measure" to suit your specific communication needs.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
flexible indicator
Focuses on adaptability and less rigid constraints.
broad gauge
Implies a wider, less precise measurement.
approximate measure
Highlights the inexact nature of the assessment.
general standard
Suggests a widely applicable but not stringent benchmark.
relaxed metric
Emphasizes a less strict application of the measurement.
open benchmark
Highlights the accessibility and non-restrictive nature.
informal guideline
Indicates a non-binding recommendation.
vague parameter
Highlights the lack of precision in the defined limit.
non-specific criterion
Emphasizes the lack of detailed requirements.
unchecked guideline
This alternative has a nuance that stresses the lack of control.
FAQs
How can I use "loose index" in a sentence?
You might say, "The study employed a "loose index" for measuring customer satisfaction, allowing for subjective feedback to be included".
What are some alternatives to "loose index"?
Consider using phrases like "flexible indicator", "broad gauge", or "approximate measure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use a "loose index"?
A "loose index" is suitable when a general assessment is needed, and precise measurements aren't crucial or when the subject matter is inherently variable.
How does a "loose index" differ from a stringent one?
A "loose index" offers flexibility and broader criteria, while a stringent index demands strict adherence to specific, well-defined parameters. The choice depends on the context and required level of precision.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested