vague correlation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague correlation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship between two variables that is not clearly defined or is weak in nature. Example: "The study found a vague correlation between the amount of sleep and productivity, suggesting that more research is needed to establish a clearer link."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is a status symbol that seems to have only a vague correlation to net worth.

The New York Times

As you can see, there is a vague correlation between traffic and cash accrued.

TechCrunch

The study found a vague correlation between money and sense of meaning in a job -- you may notice both anesthesiologists and surgeons are rich and believe they're making a difference -- but the association is by no means absolute.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is too early for such figures to mean anything, and Giambi was only vaguely aware of the correlation.

The New York Times - Sports

Hypotheses were vague, neither magnitudes nor directions of the correlations were stated a priori, and information on the psychometrics of the comparator was lacking.

BMC Public Health

So far the correlation done in this study is too vague.

F1000Research

In practice, the relationship between tumor size and clinical detection results in only a vague trend in interval cancer tumor sizes by time since screening (correlation = 0.01 in the NBCSP), whereas the number of interval cancers increases sharply.

Breast Cancer Research

Vague set theory is also introduced to make black-start scheme decisions in [25], which can reasonably deal with the correlation among the evaluation indices of the black-start schemes and fuzzy information in the black-start decision.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Maddeningly vague?

The Economist

A correlation?

The New York Times

Very vague".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "vague correlation", ensure that you clarify why the correlation is vague. Providing specific details about the data or methodology can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid attributing causality to a "vague correlation". Just because two variables show a weak relationship does not mean one causes the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague correlation" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "vague" serves to qualify the nature of the "correlation", indicating that the relationship is not clearly defined or strong. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague correlation" is used to describe a relationship that is not clearly defined or particularly strong. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English, primarily within news media and scientific contexts. It is important to remember that a "vague correlation" does not imply causation. When using this phrase, it's best to clarify why the correlation is vague and avoid drawing overly strong conclusions. Alternatives like "weak relationship" or "tenuous link" can be used to convey similar meanings. As Ludwig's AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak relationship

This alternative emphasizes the lack of strength in the connection.

tenuous link

This suggests a fragile or easily broken connection.

loose association

This highlights the lack of a strong bond between the elements.

ill-defined connection

This emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision in the relationship.

slight connection

This indicates a small or minimal relationship.

remote relationship

This suggests that the two elements are distant or indirectly related.

indirect correlation

This indicates that the correlation is not a direct one, but influenced by other factors.

unclear relationship

This points out the absence of a clear and understandable relationship.

imprecise association

This emphasizes the lack of accuracy in the connection.

ambiguous relationship

This highlights the uncertainty and lack of clarity in the link.

FAQs

What does "vague correlation" mean?

A "vague correlation" signifies a relationship between two or more variables that is not clearly defined, strong, or easily observable. It suggests a possible connection, but one that lacks precision and may be influenced by other factors.

What can I say instead of "vague correlation"?

You can use alternatives like "weak relationship", "tenuous link", or "loose association" to express a similar idea.

How do you use "vague correlation" in a sentence?

Example: "The study found a "vague correlation" between exercise and reduced stress levels, suggesting more research is needed to determine the precise nature of the relationship."

Is it appropriate to draw strong conclusions from a "vague correlation"?

No, it is generally inappropriate to draw strong conclusions based on a "vague correlation". A "vague correlation" suggests a weak or uncertain relationship, and further research is usually required to determine if the relationship is meaningful or causal.