loosely linked

USAGE SUMMARY

"loosely linked" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea or concept that is connected to a larger concept, but not in a strong and direct way. For example, "The idea of teacher feedback is loosely linked to student performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In rich, loosely linked stories.

The New York Times - Books

These events are messy, loosely linked at best.

The Guardian - Opinion

The novel consists of three loosely linked narratives.

The New York Times - Books

The album as a set of loosely linked songs may be moribund.

The New York Times

Tabac Rouge is essentially a loosely linked series of dramatic effects in search of an idea.

The Guardian

Fighting loosely linked and mobile terror cells is an entirely different operation from invading Iraq.

The New York Times

Others dictated stories into tape recorders based on a page of loosely linked drawings.

The New York Times

The opposition parties loosely linked to the protesters are a lightweight lot with some questionable leaders.

The Economist

In loosely linked narratives, three women from Senegal struggle with fathers and husbands in France.

The New York Times - Books

His latest work, "The Development," is a set of loosely linked stories that move with wry and lordly omniscience among the loosely linked lives of various elderly residents of Heron Bay Estates, a gated community in the Maryland Tidewater region.

The New York Times - Books

On close inspection, it is almost formally abstract, too: a series of loosely linked, almost interchangeable moments of high tension.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loosely linked" to accurately convey a relationship between two or more items that are connected but not strongly or directly dependent on each other. This avoids overstating the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "loosely linked" when a stronger connection exists. Choose more precise language to describe the relationship if the items are heavily interdependent or directly influence each other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loosely linked" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe connections that are not strong or direct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loosely linked" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe connections that exist but are not strong, direct, or necessarily obvious. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains. This phrase is common in news reporting, scientific writing, and encyclopedic entries, but its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts. Related phrases include "tenuously connected", "indirectly related", and "somewhat associated", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of connection, avoiding overstatements that imply stronger interdependence. Use it to describe elements connected in a non-restrictive manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuously connected

Emphasizes the slight or weak nature of the connection.

indirectly related

Highlights that the relationship is not a direct one.

somewhat associated

Indicates a partial or limited association.

vaguely connected

Stresses the lack of clarity or definition in the connection.

peripherally related

Suggests that the connection is on the outer edges or less central.

tangentially related

Implies a connection that is slight and only briefly relevant.

informally connected

Indicates the absence of strict or official association.

weakly associated

Focuses on the feebleness or fragility of the bond.

loosely associated

Highlights the absence of strict or official connection.

not firmly connected

Focuses on the lack of firmness of the bond.

FAQs

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

You can use "loosely linked" to describe relationships between ideas, organizations, or events that have some connection but are not directly dependent. For example: "The chapters in the book are "loosely linked", allowing readers to enjoy them in any order".

What are some alternatives to "loosely linked"?

Alternatives include "tenuously connected", "indirectly related", or "somewhat associated", each with slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Is it better to say "loosely linked" or "tightly linked"?

The choice depends on the strength of the connection. Use "loosely linked" when the connection is weak or indirect, and "tightly linked" when the connection is strong and direct.

What's the difference between "loosely linked" and "loosely associated"?

While similar, "loosely linked" implies a connection or relationship, whereas "loosely associated" suggests a grouping or affiliation that is not strictly defined or enforced. For example, groups can be "loosely associated" and ideas can be "loosely linked".