loosely connected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loosely connected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe things that are not tightly or firmly linked, either in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The two ideas presented in the essay are loosely connected, making it difficult to follow the author's argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Small, loosely connected groups overthrew powerful regimes.

Harvard Business Review

So were clusters of clusters that were only loosely connected.

The New York Times - Science

There were about 10 loosely connected Wild communities by 1974.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A novel or a series of loosely connected short stories?

The Guardian - Books

Everything is loosely connected in Mr. Lemon's artistic world.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were loosely connected by the theme of consumption.

The Guardian - Books

A modular CAS consists of loosely connected components.

Harvard Business Review

Then only relatively large and loosely connected aggregates are formed.

Polymer

Lung-associated mesenchyme is the tissue made up of loosely connected mesenchymal cells in the lung.

Princeton University

Kaling talks like this: rapid-fire bursts of conversation that leap between loosely connected topics.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It consists of three loosely-connected stories from beginning to end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loosely connected", ensure the context clarifies the nature and degree of the connection. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "loosely connected" when there is no actual connection at all. This can mislead readers and undermine the credibility of your writing. Ensure that there is a demonstrable, even if weak, relationship between the elements you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loosely connected" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase to describe items or ideas that are linked but not in a direct or strong manner. It often modifies nouns, indicating the nature of their relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loosely connected" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe relationships that are not strong or direct. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and media. While it carries a neutral tone, ensure the context clarifies the connection's nature to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "tenuously linked" or "weakly related" for nuanced expressions. Be mindful of overstating connections where none significantly exist to maintain credibility. The prevalence and adaptability of "loosely connected" make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not closely connected

States directly that the connection is not strong.

loosely tied

Uses the metaphor of a tie to describe a weak connection.

tenuously linked

Emphasizes the fragility or weakness of the connection.

weakly related

Focuses on the lack of strength in the relationship between items.

slightly associated

Highlights a minimal level of connection or association.

informally linked

Describes a connection that is not formal or structured.

indirectly related

Suggests a connection that is not immediately apparent or straightforward.

peripherally related

Emphasizes that the relationship is on the edge or outside the center.

tangentially related

Indicates a connection that is peripheral or only touches upon the main subject.

remotely associated

Implies a distant or far-removed connection.

FAQs

How can I use "loosely connected" in a sentence?

You can use "loosely connected" to describe items, ideas, or people that have a relationship but are not strongly or directly linked. For example, "The events in the novel are "loosely connected", creating a sense of fragmented reality."

What are some alternatives to saying "loosely connected"?

You can use alternatives like "tenuously linked", "weakly related", or "slightly associated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "loosely connected" or should I say "lose connected"?

"Loosely connected" is the correct form. "Lose connected" is grammatically incorrect. "Loosely" is an adverb modifying the adjective "connected".

What's the difference between "loosely connected" and "tightly connected"?

"Loosely connected" indicates a weak or indirect relationship, while "tightly connected" suggests a strong and direct relationship. For example, "While the plot elements were "loosely connected", the characters shared a "tightly connected" bond."