vaguely connected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vaguely connected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or association that is not clear or is only slightly related. Example: "The two events seemed vaguely connected, but further investigation revealed no direct link between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Here we enter the series of vaguely connected stories of the title.

The New York Times - Books

It was the late eighties, and that business was enjoying a mini-boom, vaguely connected with Madonna.

The New Yorker

The word, she says, is "vaguely connected to the English word hug: to cherish yourself, to make yourself snug.

The Guardian - Books

We follow the misfortunes of eight characters vaguely connected to a Hollywood film-in-the-making called Rendezvous.

The Guardian - Film

Junk Dilemmas No 63: Thrillin the poncy London literati wi scuzzy Edinburgh smackheids doant disguise the fact this is jez sum vaguely connected shert storis.

The Guardian - Books

But killing Muslims shattered the illusion that somehow the violence, however misguided, was vaguely connected to the idea of pushing reform.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

And the characters who populate the daisy-chain narrative of "$9.99" — one of those we're-all-vaguely-connected-by-a-vague-metaphysical-condition "Babel - Crash" movies — are in various funks and malaises or else just out of sorts.

The New York Times

Over on a shelf, another vaguely robotic figure is connected to a vile-looking bag, accompanied by a soundtrack conversation from the BBC Radio Four series Inside the Ethics Committee, discussing the religious complications and dilemmas around the switching off of life-support machines.

The Guardian - Arts

With the backing of the Department of Justice, and the excuse of the war on drugs (and now the war on terror), property connected even vaguely to a crime whether one is ever convicted of said crime or not can be seized and auctioned off by local police, earning them a tidy profit without the hassle of a trial.

Vice

Generally, observers are more trained in classifying pathological conditions, and a variable like udder tissue consistency is more vague and not obviously connected to pathology.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Everyone had vaguely understood that connecting everyday objects to the Internet could be a big deal.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vaguely connected" when you want to indicate a relationship that exists but is not strong or well-defined. This is useful in describing networks, storylines, or ideas that share a common thread without being directly dependent on each other.

Common error

Avoid using "vaguely connected" when there is no discernible relationship at all. Ensure there is some basis for the connection, however slight, before using this phrase to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vaguely connected" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe the nature of their relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vaguely connected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes a relationship that is not strong or clearly defined. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news and media, books, and general discussions. While "vaguely connected" is common, it's essential to ensure that the connection, however slight, genuinely exists to avoid misleading your audience. Alternative phrases like "loosely associated" or "indirectly related" can provide similar but subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat connected

Indicates a moderate level of connection, not strong but present.

indirectly related

Highlights that the connection is not immediate or direct.

loosely tied

Similar to loosely associated, emphasizing a flexible connection.

loosely associated

Emphasizes a less structured or formal connection.

tangentially related

Indicates a connection that is peripheral or not central.

generally associated

Describes a broad or common association without specific details.

superficially related

Highlights a connection that is only apparent on the surface.

tenuously linked

Suggests a very weak or fragile connection.

marginally linked

Suggests a minimal or slight connection.

remotely affiliated

Implies a distant or far-off association.

FAQs

What does "vaguely connected" mean?

The phrase "vaguely connected" describes something that has a slight or unclear relationship to something else. It suggests a connection exists but is not strong, direct, or well-defined.

How can I use "vaguely connected" in a sentence?

You might say, "The two incidents seemed "vaguely connected" at first, but further investigation revealed no direct link", or "The characters are "vaguely connected" through a series of shared experiences".

What are some alternatives to "vaguely connected"?

Alternatives include "loosely associated", "indirectly related", or "tenuously linked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "vaguely connected" in formal writing?

Yes, "vaguely connected" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to describe a relationship that is not precise or well-defined. However, ensure that the context is clear and the phrase accurately reflects the relationship you're describing.