nexus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'nexus' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a connection or link between two or more things. For example, "The news report established a nexus between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The party will have to deal not only with the sullying of Bertie's legacy but also the nexus between Fianna Fáil, major property speculators/builders and the financial institutions – the so-called "golden circle".

The Guardian

Asynchronous, robust, distributed technologies like mailing lists and text messaging completed the picture, allowing coordinators to maintain links between this nexus of activity and the growing community of donors, potential volunteers and activists that sprawled across the entire north-east region.

The Guardian

It was a role that put him at the nexus of public life and while he lapped up the contacts he remained steely.

The Guardian

Many villains have been blamed for Mumbai's descent into urban hell, from mafia dons to impoverished migrants, but for the past three decades the main culprit is the "politician-builder nexus".

The Guardian

Aside from the Celtic Tiger's collapse and the loss of economic sovereignty when Ireland was bailed out by the IMF and the European Central Bank, Fianna Fáil lost the faith of an electorate who perceived the party as too close to a nexus of bankers, speculators, builders and other corporate interests.

The Guardian

It was only after the reformist Dr Garret Fitzgerald took control of Fine Gael and tried to make the Republic a more secular place to live in that the nexus between the church and the party finally began to break up.

The Guardian

Stalin Dayanand from Vanashakti, an environmental group that petitioned at the High Court, thinks that nothing will change so long as affordable housing is not constructed for migrants, who crowd into low-lying areas near deltas and on sinking coasts, and so long as the developer-politician nexus continues.

The Guardian

On Tuesday, that nexus was exposed in a damning report investigating Lowry's role as a minister when O'Brien was bidding for a lucrative mobile phone license.

The Guardian

India and Israel have seen their foundational commitments to collective welfare reconfigured by a nexus of neoliberal extremists and majoritarian nationalists, who hope to bludgeon their disaffected minorities into loyalty to a "Jewish state" and a "Hindu nation".

The Guardian - Opinion

Increasingly they are seeing their own economies, particularly India and China, as better bets.Added to this is the growth in stature of business schools outside the American-Europe nexus.

The Economist

The successful candidate will combine a strong technical background with the ability to write simply and entertainingly about the dismal science in general, and the nexus between economics and business in particular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nexus" to denote a crucial point of connection or intersection between multiple entities or ideas. It adds a sense of importance and centrality to the relationship.

Common error

Don't use "nexus" to describe very basic or trivial connections. Reserve it for significant or complex relationships where the intersection truly matters.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nexus" is as a noun. It refers to a connection, link, or a central point where multiple things converge. Ludwig provides several examples where "nexus" functions to describe relationships, like the nexus between politics and business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "nexus" is a noun commonly used to denote a crucial connection, link, or central point of convergence, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and frequently appears in contexts like news, business, and academic writing. While versatile, "nexus" is best suited for formal or professional settings and should be reserved for significant relationships rather than trivial connections. Alternatives include "link", "connection", and "hub", each carrying slightly different connotations. Usage patterns show its prevalence in news, business, and science, highlighting its relevance across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial connection

The term 'crucial' amplifies the importance of the relationship established by the "nexus".

key connection

Stresses the importance of the connection that the "nexus" represents.

essential link

Underscores the necessity of the connection provided by a "nexus".

central hub

Highlights the idea of "nexus" as a focal point or center of activity.

connecting link

Emphasizes the role of "nexus" as something that connects different elements.

focal point

This alternative emphasizes the "nexus" as a center of attention or activity.

network of relationships

This phrase specifies the "nexus" as an intricate web of connections, emphasizing the relational aspect.

point of convergence

Focuses on the aspect of different things coming together at the "nexus".

interconnected web

Illustrates the complex relationships implied by a "nexus".

critical juncture

Highlights that "nexus" can be seen as an important point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "nexus" in a sentence?

Use "nexus" to indicate a connection or link, often of critical importance, between multiple things. For example, "The report revealed a "nexus between" corporate lobbying and environmental policy".

What are some alternatives to the word "nexus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "link", "connection", "hub", or "center".

Is it appropriate to use "nexus" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "nexus" is generally more suited to formal or professional contexts due to its sophisticated and technical tone. In informal settings, simpler words like "link" or "connection" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "nexus" and "relationship"?

"Nexus" implies a specific and crucial connection point, often involving multiple elements converging, whereas "relationship" is a broader term referring to any association between two or more things. A "nexus" suggests a more integrated and essential connection than a simple "relationship".