tenuous connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"tenuous connection" is a correct usage in written English.
You can use it to describe a relationship that is weak or uncertain, or is only based on circumstantial evidence. For example, "The police were only able to draw a tenuous connection between the two suspects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other times there was "a tenuous connection".

The Guardian - Business

Greer's story eventually establishes a tenuous connection with Elsa's.

The New York Times - Books

So despite our somewhat tenuous connection, we were family.

The Guardian - Opinion

Judge McMahon's ruling highlighted Herb Allen's tenuous connection to his late cousin.

The New York Times

Why not, say, sports drinks, power bars or something with even a tenuous connection to tennis?

The New York Times - Sports

As Ms Rivera's book demonstrates, even the most tenuous connection with insiders can be of help.

The Economist

Ninety-nine percent of the population has a tenuous connection to the military at best.

The New York Times

Isn't it great when you discover a tenuous connection with a stranger?

The Guardian - Opinion

That makes for a tenuous connection between Latin American stocks and the Nasdaq.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, March 19 , 1960P. 33 Long comment about a tenuous connection betw.

The New Yorker

Apart from that, there is perhaps only one other tenuous connection between the two places.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "slight link" or "fragile association" to add nuance depending on whether you want to emphasize the weakness or instability of the connection.

Common error

Avoid implying a stronger relationship than exists. If the connection truly is "tenuous", accurately represent it as such to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous connection" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies the noun "connection". It describes the nature of a relationship or link, characterizing it as weak, uncertain, or insubstantial. Ludwig's examples show it primarily serves to qualify the type of connection being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenuous connection" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a weak or uncertain relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, the phrase serves to express doubt or uncertainty about the strength of a link. When using "tenuous connection", ensure you accurately represent the degree of connection to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "slight link" or "fragile association" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Therefore, understanding its function and appropriate contexts ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak relationship

Directly states the lack of strength in the relationship.

loose tie

Conveys the idea of a connection that is not firmly established.

slight link

Emphasizes the minimal strength of the link.

slim association

Indicates a very thin or insubstantial association.

fragile association

Highlights the vulnerability and instability of the association.

circumstantial link

Emphasizes that the link is based on circumstances rather than direct evidence.

indirect relation

Focuses on the lack of a direct link between the entities.

remote correlation

Suggests the correlation is distant and not immediately apparent.

unsubstantiated correlation

Implies there's a lack of evidence to support the correlation.

flimsy bond

Underlines the weak and easily broken nature of the bond.

FAQs

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

You can use "tenuous connection" to describe a relationship or link that is weak, uncertain, or based on circumstantial evidence. For example, "The investigation revealed only a "tenuous connection" between the suspect and the victim".

What are some alternatives to "tenuous connection"?

Alternatives include "slight link", "fragile association", or "weak relationship". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tenuous connection" in formal writing?

Yes, "tenuous connection" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used in news media, science, and business contexts. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids exaggeration.

What's the difference between "tenuous connection" and "strong connection"?

"Tenuous connection" implies a weak and uncertain relationship, while "strong connection" suggests a solid and well-supported link. Use "tenuous" when the evidence or basis for the connection is questionable.