negatively correlated

USAGE SUMMARY

"negatively correlated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two things are related in such a way that when one increases, the other decreases. For example, "The amount of sleep a person gets is negatively correlated with their stress levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Success and likability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As she writes in the book, "success and likability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women".

The Guardian

Research shows that "likeability" and success are positively correlated for men but negatively correlated for women.

Huffington Post

Success and likability are positively correlated for men but negatively correlated for women.

Huffington Post

"The dollar and gold tend to be negatively correlated".

The Guardian

Questionnaire length tends to be negatively correlated with response rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

For women, success and likability are negatively correlated.

Independent

Mortality and the unemployment rate are negatively correlated.

The New York Times

In fact, their predictions were negatively correlated with actual returns.

The New York Times

In fact, they are negatively correlated.

TechCrunch

Anxiety was negatively correlated with attachment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data, clearly define what variables are "negatively correlated" and provide context for their relationship. For instance, mention the strength of the correlation coefficient if available.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a negative correlation implies causation. Just because two variables are "negatively correlated" does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. There could be confounding variables or the relationship could be coincidental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negatively correlated" typically functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe a relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds with a decrease in another. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negatively correlated" is a phrase commonly used to describe an inverse relationship between two variables. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you're not implying causation, and be clear about the variables you're discussing. Consider alternatives like "inversely related" for variety. Remember, while the term is widespread, understanding its appropriate usage will improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inversely related

Emphasizes an inverse relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases.

oppositely related

Highlights the opposing nature of the relationship between two variables.

in negative correlation

Explicitly states that the variables are in a state of negative association.

showing an inverse relationship

Describes the variables as demonstrating a pattern where they move in opposite directions.

moving in opposite directions

Focuses on the movement of two entities, highlighting their inverse trajectories.

varying inversely

Indicates that changes in one variable result in opposite changes in the other.

tending to diverge

Suggests a pattern of separation or moving apart from each other.

exhibiting a negative association

Formally describes a relationship where the presence of one factor reduces the other.

displaying an inverse dependency

Emphasizes that the variables are dependent on each other in an opposite manner.

antithetically linked

Highlights a contrasting connection, implying opposing forces or outcomes.

FAQs

How do you use "negatively correlated" in a sentence?

You can use "negatively correlated" to describe the relationship between two variables where an increase in one is associated with a decrease in the other. For example, "Increased screen time is "negatively correlated" with physical activity".

What is an alternative to saying "negatively correlated"?

Alternatives to "negatively correlated" include "inversely related" or "oppositely related". These phrases also indicate that as one variable increases, the other decreases.

Is it correct to say 'there is a negative correlation' instead of 'negatively correlated'?

Yes, both are correct, but they function differently in a sentence. "There is a negative correlation" is a statement, while "negatively correlated" is an adjective phrase describing the relationship between two variables. You might say, "These variables are "negatively correlated"" or "There is a negative correlation between these variables".

How does a negative correlation differ from a positive correlation?

A negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other decreases. Conversely, a positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other also increases. If there is no clear relationship between the variables, they are said to be "not correlated".