loosely associated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loosely associated with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or connection that is not strong or direct, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The study found that the symptoms were loosely associated with dietary habits, suggesting further research is needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was loosely associated with Measure M and when it failed, so did his bid.

The New York Times - Tech

Increments of 10 dB are loosely associated with one change in dynamic level.

Princeton University

The second of these is (loosely) associated with the term, the first with the term.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

All the rest of the populations are loosely associated, with the exception of the distinct Buryat sample.

Nature

English /l/ and /r/ sounds are not distinctive for Japanese speakers and they are loosely associated with corresponding graphemes.

Neuroscience Letters

Loosely associated with the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, Bontecou intentionally created works that functioned as both painting and sculpture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She wrote more than a dozen and became loosely associated with a British experimental movement led by B. S. Johnson.

The New York Times - Arts

A Labour insider, who was loosely associated with Kendall's campaign, interprets the conference mood slightly differently to the delegates, describing it as subdued.

The Guardian

In previous versions of the nanopore system, this sugar molecule was rather loosely associated with the pore, moving in and out.

MIT Technology Review

6) Across all students, AP appears to be only loosely associated with college grades and degree completion, but passing AP exams might make a difference.

The Washington Post

The Austrian Alpine skiers are loosely associated with the biathletes and the cross-country skiers and do not share housing or coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loosely associated with", ensure that the context clearly indicates the degree of separation or indirectness you wish to convey. Avoid using it when a stronger, more direct relationship exists.

Common error

Avoid using "loosely associated with" to downplay significant connections. If the link is crucial or substantial, opt for stronger language like "directly related to" or "closely connected with."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loosely associated with" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the degree of connection or relationship between two entities. It expresses that the connection is not strong or direct. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

42%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loosely associated with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a weak or indirect connection between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is fit for use and widespread in formal and informal writing contexts across News & Media, Scientific and Academic fields. When using this phrase, ensure the context and level of association are adequately presented to prevent misinterpretation. Be sure to consider alternatives like ""slightly connected to"" or ""indirectly related to"" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly connected to

Focuses on the minimal level of connection between the entities.

marginally associated with

Highlights the small degree or extent of the association.

generally linked with

Focuses on a broader, less specific relationship.

vaguely affiliated with

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision in the association.

indirectly related to

Highlights that the relationship is not a straight cause and effect, but rather a more roundabout connection.

informally tied to

Suggests the absence of a formal or official link.

tangentially connected to

Suggests a slight or divergent connection, as if touching at just one point.

peripherally involved with

Indicates involvement at the edge or outside of the main activity or subject.

tenuously linked to

Implies a very weak or shaky connection, suggesting the association is barely there.

nominally linked to

Suggests the link exists in name only, with little practical effect.

FAQs

How can I use "loosely associated with" in a sentence?

You can use "loosely associated with" to describe a connection that is not strong or direct. For example, "The artist's early works were loosely associated with the Impressionist movement."

What are some alternatives to "loosely associated with"?

Some alternatives to "loosely associated with" include "slightly connected to", "indirectly related to", or "vaguely affiliated with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "loosely associated with" or "closely associated with"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Loosely associated with" indicates a weak connection, while "closely associated with" suggests a strong, direct relationship.

What's the difference between "loosely associated with" and "related to"?

"Related to" is a general term for any connection, while "loosely associated with" specifies that the connection is weak or indirect. You would use the latter when the relationship is not a primary or defining characteristic.