show a connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show a connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing relationships or links between ideas, concepts, or entities. Example: "The research aims to show a connection between diet and mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

An increasing number of studies show a connection between isolating prisoners and higher rates of recidivism.

Independent

I thought having them hold hands would show a connection between them.

The New York Times

Under state law, administrators must show a connection between off-campus behavior and the possible disruption of the school environment.

The New York Times

But nobody was ever able to show a connection between resveratrol and human life span (see "The Argument over Aging" and "The Anti-Aging Pill").

MIT Technology Review

"We also want to show a connection between sports and Long Island society and culture," said Joshua Ruff, curator of the History Museum, who organized the show.

The New York Times

Mr. Powell has said insufficient evidence exists to show a connection between diversity in employment and diversity in content offered by the nation's radio and television broadcasters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Similarly, the connectivity map showed a connection between TYMS 28bp repeats and 1494 6bp deletion polymorphisms.

BMC Medical Genomics

We cannot exclude an indirect effect of TNF-α through the regulation of other yet unknown factors, however the connectivity map showed a connection only with gestational age.

BMC Pediatrics

The study shows a connection, not a cause.

Harvard University

"More has to be shown, a connection between improprieties and a particular case".

The New York Times

"Traditional media, including this newspaper, showed a connection to mainstream people and their views".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show a connection", ensure that the evidence or reasoning clearly supports the link you are describing. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "show a connection" when the relationship is merely speculative or based on limited data. Instead, use language that reflects the uncertainty, such as "suggest a possible connection" or "hint at a relationship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show a connection" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of demonstrating or revealing a relationship between two or more entities, concepts, or events. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show a connection" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe demonstrating a relationship between two or more things. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in scientific and journalistic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the evidence supports the claimed connection. For variations, consider alternatives like "demonstrate a relationship" or "establish a link", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overstating the strength of the connection if the evidence is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate a relationship

Replaces "show" with "demonstrate", adding a slightly more formal tone.

establish a link

Uses "establish" instead of "show", suggesting a more definitive connection is being created or proven.

indicate an association

Replaces "connection" with "association", which can imply a weaker or less direct relationship.

reveal a correlation

Uses "correlation" to specify a statistical relationship between variables.

highlight an interdependence

Focuses on the mutual reliance or dependence between elements.

illustrate an interplay

Implies a dynamic interaction or reciprocal influence between different factors.

uncover a relationship

Suggests discovering a previously unknown connection.

exhibit a correlation

Similar to 'reveal a correlation', but uses 'exhibit' to imply a clear demonstration.

evidence a link

Uses "evidence" as a verb, emphasizing the support for the existence of a link.

portray a relationship

Indicates representing a connection in a descriptive or illustrative manner.

FAQs

How can I use "show a connection" in a sentence?

You can use "show a connection" to indicate a relationship or link between two or more things. For example, "The study aims to show a connection between diet and mental health."

What's the difference between "show a connection" and "demonstrate a relationship"?

"Show a connection" is a more general and common phrase, while "demonstrate a relationship" is more formal and implies a clearer, more substantiated link.

What can I say instead of "show a connection"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a link", "indicate an association", or "reveal a correlation" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "show a connection"?

It's inappropriate to use "show a connection" when there's little to no evidence supporting the supposed link. In such cases, phrases like "suggest a possible link" are more suitable.