to correlate with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to correlate with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a relationship, typically one of comparison in which two things have a direct relation to one another. For example, "The data from the study seemed to correlate with the results from the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The homicide rate appears to correlate with Presidential approval ratings.

The New Yorker

This seemed to correlate with the opinions that respondents had of the parks.

The Guardian

Ultimately, Mr. Obama's success with Republicans tends to correlate with his fortunes among other groups.

The New York Times

Often, particular sets of squiggles appear to correlate with particular behaviors, the researchers say.

The New York Times - Science

A reduction in quality vocational education appears to correlate with increased youth unemployment.

The Guardian

Trying to correlate with the 2012 report makes no sense, either.

The Guardian

Eyewitness accounts of McGuire's death appear to correlate with Waisel's prediction.

The Guardian

Unusual brains are shown to correlate with creative intelligence and exceptional cognitive sensitivity.

The New Yorker

Oddly enough, music taste seems to correlate with geography.

Independent

High scores in these tests tend to correlate with high scores on measures of depression and impulsivity.

The New York Times - Health

No degree of education, intellectual achievement or common sense in other realms of life seems to correlate with it.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to correlate with", ensure that you have a clear understanding of the statistical relationship you are describing. Avoid using it loosely to simply mean 'related to'.

Common error

A common error is to assume that because two variables "to correlate with" each other, one causes the other. Remember that correlation does not equal causation; other factors might be at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to correlate with" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to indicate a statistical or empirical relationship between two or more variables. Ludwig provides numerous examples in science and media where this phrase is used to describe such connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to correlate with" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express a relationship, particularly a statistical one, between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its frequency is very common, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When employing the phrase, remember to avoid mistaking correlation for causation. Consider alternatives like "to associate with", "to link with", or "to relate to" for different nuances. Use it when you aim to explicitly highlight a statistical connection, as demonstrated by numerous examples of Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to relate to

A more general way of saying there is a connection between two things.

to be related to

Passive form emphasizing the existence of a relationship.

to associate with

Focuses on a general connection or link, less about statistical correlation.

to bear a relationship to

A more formal way to express a connection or association.

to link with

Implies a connection, but can be less formal and not necessarily statistical.

to connect with

Suggests a broader, less defined relationship; may not be quantifiable.

to correspond with

Implies a similarity or analogy, rather than a direct influence.

to coincide with

Highlights events happening at the same time, not necessarily causally related.

to tie in with

Suggests a close connection, often within a system or plan.

to align with

Implies agreement or support, rather than a statistical relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "to correlate with" in a sentence?

You can use "to correlate with" to show a relationship or association between two or more things. For example, "Increased exercise tends "to correlate with" improved mood".

What's the difference between "to correlate with" and "to associate with"?

"To correlate with" typically implies a statistical relationship or a quantifiable connection, while "to associate with" suggests a more general connection or link.

What are some alternatives to "to correlate with"?

Alternatives include "to link with", "to connect with", or "to relate to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "to correlate with" in formal writing?

Yes, "to correlate with" is appropriate for formal and academic writing, especially when discussing statistical or research findings.