ostensible connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"ostensible connection" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a perceived or apparent relationship that may not be genuine or substantial. Example: "The ostensible connection between the two events was later proven to be coincidental." Alternative expressions include "apparent link" and "seeming relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Brooklynization," after all, represents a serious attempt at repudiation: of Manhattan, of course, whose nosebleed real estate prices pushed the creative class out to Brooklyn in the first place; but also of the logic of globalization, and its elevation of an international elite with no ostensible connection to either specific places or the making of physical things.

The New York Times

When Swanson first analyzed the ostensible connection between violence and mental illness, looking at more than ten thousand individuals (both mentally ill and healthy) during the course of one year, he found that serious mental illness alone was a risk factor for violence — from minor incidents, like shoving, to armed assault — in only four per cent of cases.

The New Yorker

But as interesting as that sounds on paper, it remained an entirely theoretical program note that had no ostensible connection to the fascinating combinations of squeaky siren sounds, folk-dance-inspired tunes, jagged violin riffs and gravelly mournful cello melodies that pervaded the piece.

The New York Times - Arts

While there is no ostensible connection between these two cases and that of Sergei Udaltsov, it is a fact that the most visible figures in the winter protest movement are now either under a legal cloud or in prison.

BBC

The logic was obvious to all -- how could a school, with no ostensible connection to George Washington, so prominently feature a gilded portrait that exalted our first President, who was also slaveholder in-chief?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With the use of statistical mechanics, the mathematical implementation of the MWC concept links problems that seem otherwise to have no ostensible biological connection including ligand receptor binding, ligand-gated ion channels, chemotaxis, chromatin structure and gene regulation.

Journal of Molecular Biology

For decades I'd tried to put as much distance between myself and Judaism as possible, and the idea that I was supposed to feel some connection to my ostensible homeland seemed ridiculous.

The New York Times - Travel

(And if there's a reason to question the premise, it's that the value of an ostensible fiction film is also based in its connection to reality more broadly understood).

The New Yorker

The ostensible reason — get this!

The New York Times

At least, ostensible ones.

The Guardian

His ostensible mandate was reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensible connection" when you want to suggest that a relationship is not necessarily genuine or proven, but exists on the surface or is claimed to exist.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensible connection" when you mean a genuine, well-supported connection. "Ostensible" implies the connection is superficial or questionable. For a real connection use "actual connection" or "demonstrated relationship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensible connection" functions as a noun phrase, where "ostensible" modifies the noun "connection". It describes a relationship or link that is presented or appears to be true, but may not actually be so. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostensible connection" describes a relationship that appears to be present but is potentially not genuine or fully supported. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and best used when you want to express some level of doubt or skepticism about the validity of a link. Although not a frequent phrase, it finds its use in contexts such as news reporting and scientific discussions where precision is valued. Related phrases like "apparent link" or "seeming relationship" offer similar shades of meaning, focusing on superficial or unproven connections. When employing this phrase, ensure you're not mistaking it for a real or verified relationship, as "ostensible" suggests the opposite.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent link

Focuses on the visibility of the connection, suggesting it's readily noticeable.

seeming relationship

Emphasizes the superficial appearance of a relationship, which might not be genuine.

apparent correlation

Similar to "apparent link", but emphasizes a statistical or logical relationship.

professed association

Highlights that the connection is claimed or declared, but not necessarily proven.

stated correlation

Focuses on a statistical or logical link that is presented, but may not hold under scrutiny.

superficial bond

Suggests a connection that lacks depth or substance.

alleged tie

Indicates that the connection is asserted but possibly unsubstantiated or disputed.

supposed relationship

Implies a connection that is assumed or believed, often without firm evidence.

outward connection

Highlights the external appearance of a link, contrasting with deeper or internal realities.

pretended link

Suggests that the connection is falsely presented or feigned.

FAQs

How do you use "ostensible connection" in a sentence?

You can use "ostensible connection" to describe a relationship that appears to be true but might not be upon closer examination. For example, "The "ostensible connection" between the two events was later disproven".

What's a good alternative to "ostensible connection"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "apparent link", "seeming relationship", or "alleged tie".

What does "ostensible" mean in the context of "ostensible connection"?

In this context, "ostensible" means appearing or professed to be true, but not necessarily so. It suggests the connection might be superficial or not genuinely supported by evidence.

Is there a difference between "ostensible connection" and "actual connection"?

Yes, "ostensible connection" implies the connection is superficial or questionable, while "actual connection" indicates a genuine, verifiable relationship. Using "actual connection" suggests the link is real and substantiated.