Comprehensive Guide to Synonyms of ‘Correlated’: Definitions, Usage, and Mastery in English Writing

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Understanding the word ‘correlated’ and its synonyms is essential for anyone aiming to communicate with clarity, precision, and nuance. Correlated describes relationships where two or more things are linked, often in ways that impact each other. Being able to choose the right synonym not only enriches your vocabulary but also enhances your ability to write and speak effectively in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. This is invaluable for students, writers, English language learners, teachers, professionals, and anyone seeking to improve their language skills.

This comprehensive guide will explore the synonyms of ‘correlated’ in depth, covering definitions, grammatical functions, usage contexts, structural analysis, and common pitfalls. With numerous examples, tables, and exercises, you’ll gain practical mastery over choosing and applying the right synonym for every situation.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

A. What Does ‘Correlated’ Mean?

The word ‘correlated’ indicates a relationship or connection between two or more things, often implying that changes in one thing are accompanied by changes in the other(s). According to the Oxford English Dictionary, correlated means “having a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.” In linguistics, it is both an adjective (The variables are correlated) and a past participle of the verb correlate (The results have been correlated).

Etymology: The word comes from the Latin cor- (together) + relatus (brought back, related), ultimately meaning “brought into relation together.”

B. Grammatical Function

‘Correlated’ most commonly functions as an adjective and as a past participle. Its base verb is correlate (to show a relationship). It can also function as a participial phrase.

  • Predicate Adjective: “The two variables are correlated.”
  • Attributive Adjective: “Correlated data sets are important.”
  • Participial Phrase: “Data correlated with income levels…”
Form Example
Noun There is a strong correlation between age and income.
Verb The symptoms correlate with the test results.
Adjective The factors are correlated.
Participle Correlated variables were analyzed.

C. Usage Contexts

Correlated appears in various contexts, most often in academic/scientific writing but also in general and casual speech.

  • Academic/Scientific: “Smoking and lung cancer are strongly correlated.”
  • Business/Economics: “Revenue growth is correlated with customer satisfaction.”
  • Everyday: “Bad weather and traffic jams seem correlated.”
Context Example
Science Increased exercise is correlated with improved health.
Business Productivity is correlated with employee engagement.
Casual His mood and the weather are always correlated.

4. Structural Breakdown

A. Morphological Structure

Correlated consists of the prefix cor- (together), the root relate, and the suffix -ed (past participle/adjective). Synonyms have similar or different structures.

Word Prefix Root Suffix Notes
correlated cor- relate -ed from Latin
connected con- nect -ed from Latin
linked – link -ed from English
associated as- soci -ated from Latin
related re- late -ed from Latin
tied – tie -ed from English

B. Syntactic Patterns

‘Correlated’ and its synonyms typically appear as adjectives after linking verbs (is, are, was, were), before nouns, or in participial phrases.

  • Predicate Position: “The two events are correlated.”
  • Attributive Position: “Correlated variables can be misleading.”
  • Participial Phrase: “Variables correlated with temperature…”
Template Example
X is correlated with Y. IQ is correlated with educational achievement.
X and Y are associated. Disease and poverty are associated.
There is a strong link between X and Y. There is a strong link between stress and illness.
X is related to Y. Job satisfaction is related to salary.

C. Collocations and Common Pairings

Certain nouns, verbs, and phrases tend to appear together with ‘correlated’ and its synonyms. Recognizing these can help you sound more natural and precise.

Word Common Collocations Example
correlated positively, negatively, closely, strongly Closely correlated factors
associated strongly, commonly, risk, factor, symptoms Risk factors associated with diabetes
linked directly, closely, firmly, genetically Genetically linked diseases
connected directly, loosely, technologically Technologically connected devices
tied closely, financially, emotionally Closely tied organizations

D. Register and Tone

Some synonyms are more formal or academic (e.g., correlated, associated), while others are informal or conversational (e.g., linked, tied). Choose based on your audience and purpose.

  • Formal: correlated, associated, interdependent
  • Neutral: connected, related
  • Informal: linked, tied, go together

5. Types or Categories of Synonyms

A. Direct Synonyms

These words have meanings and usage very close to ‘correlated’ and can often substitute for it directly:

  • related
  • connected
  • linked

B. Context-Specific Synonyms

Some synonyms fit best in particular fields:

  • associated (common in science and medicine)
  • tied (journalism, business)
  • coupled (physics, engineering)
  • intertwined (literary, figurative)

C. Synonyms with Nuanced Differences

Some words overlap with ‘correlated’ but differ in strength or implication:

  • interdependent, mutually dependent (imply two-way dependence)
  • parallel (similar trends, not always direct correlation)
  • causally related (implies cause, not just connection)

D. Verb vs. Adjective Synonyms

Verb forms: correlate, relate, associate, link, connect, tie
Adjective forms: correlated, related, associated, linked, connected, tied

  • “The symptoms correlate with the disease.” (verb)
  • “The correlated symptoms suggest a pattern.” (adjective)

E. Negative and Opposite Forms

  • uncorrelated
  • independent
  • unrelated
  • disconnected

These words signal lack of connection or correlation.

6. Examples Section

A. Basic Example Sentences

  • The two variables are correlated.
  • These symptoms are associated with the illness.
  • Income and education are linked.
  • The events are related.
  • Economic growth is connected to employment rates.
  • The findings are tied to previous research.
  • These problems are interdependent.
  • The trends are parallel.
  • These factors are mutually dependent.
  • The variables are uncorrelated.
  • The two incidents are unrelated.

B. Complex Examples

  • While rainfall and crop yield are closely correlated, other factors such as soil quality also play a significant role.
  • Risk factors associated with heart disease include smoking and high cholesterol.
  • Stock market performance is often linked to global economic trends, although not always predictably.
  • The data sets were analyzed to determine whether the observed variables were related in any significant way.
  • Employee satisfaction appears to be strongly connected with productivity across departments.
  • The project’s success is closely tied to effective communication among team members.
  • Environmental health and human health are interdependent, influencing each other in complex ways.
  • Although the rates of two diseases are parallel in their increase, they are not directly correlated.
  • Revenue and profit are often mutually dependent, but not always proportional.
  • The test results showed that intelligence and creativity are uncorrelated in this sample.

C. Field-Specific Examples

  • Science/Statistics: “Blood pressure is positively correlated with sodium intake.”
  • Science/Statistics: “Exposure to sunlight is negatively associated with depression symptoms.”
  • Business/Economics: “Productivity is closely linked to employee engagement.”
  • Business/Economics: “Sales growth is correlated with marketing investment.”
  • Everyday: “Her happiness seems tied to her work.”
  • Everyday: “Those two issues are definitely connected.”

D. Contrastive Examples

  • The symptoms are correlated (statistical, neutral), but not necessarily causally related (implies causation).
  • The events are linked (general), but not associated (scientific/medical nuance).
  • The trends are parallel (similar direction), but not interdependent (mutual influence).
  • The two are connected (broad), but not tied (stronger, more direct relationship).
  • The variables are related (vague), but not correlated (statistically measured).

E. Example Tables

Table 1: Synonym – Definition – Example Sentence
Synonym Definition Example Sentence
correlated Having a mutual relationship Test scores are correlated with study time.
associated Connected in some way Obesity is associated with diabetes.
linked Joined or connected Stress is linked to insomnia.
related Belonging to the same group or family The two accidents are related.
connected Joined together These devices are connected via Wi-Fi.
tied Closely linked or bound Her success is tied to hard work.
Table 2: Synonym – Typical Context – Register
Synonym Typical Context Register
correlated Science, statistics Formal
associated Medicine, science Formal
linked General, business Neutral
connected Technology, general Neutral
tied Business, journalism Informal/Neutral
interdependent Ecology, systems Formal
Table 3: Synonym – Collocations – Example
Synonym Common Collocations Example
correlated strongly, positively, negatively Positively correlated variables
associated risk, symptoms, factors Risk factors associated with disease
linked closely, genetically, directly Genetically linked conditions
connected directly, loosely, electronically Electronically connected devices
tied closely, financially, emotionally Financially tied companies
Table 4: Positive vs. Negative Correlation Synonyms
Correlation Type Synonyms/Expressions Example
Positive positively correlated, directly linked, go hand in hand Income and health are positively correlated.
Negative negatively correlated, inversely related, oppositely associated Stress and sleep are negatively correlated.
Table 5: Synonyms as Verbs vs. Adjectives
Word Verb Example Adjective Example
correlate The two factors correlate. The correlated factors are important.
associate We associate smoking with cancer. The associated risks are high.
link They linked the symptoms to the illness. The linked issues need addressing.
connect They connected the two incidents. The connected devices failed.
tie The results tie to previous studies. The tied companies merged.

F. Combined Sentences/Paraphrasing

Let’s see how sentences can be rewritten using synonyms without changing the meaning:

  • Original: “Economic growth is correlated with educational attainment.”
  • Paraphrase: “Economic growth is linked to educational attainment.”
  • Paraphrase: “Economic growth is associated with educational attainment.”
  • Paraphrase: “Economic growth is connected to educational attainment.”
  • Paraphrase: “Economic growth and educational attainment are related.”

Always check for subtle changes in meaning or register, especially in technical writing.

G. Example Quantity

Throughout this section and the tables above, you will find over 40 distinct example sentences, covering a wide range of registers, fields, and complexity levels.

7. Usage Rules

A. Choosing the Right Synonym

  • Consider context: Use correlated and associated in scientific/academic texts, linked and tied in business or casual speech.
  • Check for nuance: Interdependent implies mutual reliance, not just correlation.
  • Watch register: Avoid informal synonyms in formal writing.

B. Grammatical Agreement

  • Verb forms must agree with the subject: “The data correlate with the results.”
  • Adjectives precede nouns or follow linking verbs: “Correlated results,” “The results are correlated.”

C. Collocation Rules

  • Correlated often pairs with with: “X is correlated with Y.”
  • Associated pairs with with: “Risk associated with disease.”
  • Linked pairs with to: “Symptom is linked to cause.”
  • Tied pairs with to: “Tied to performance.”

D. Formality and Register

  • Correlated/associated: Best for academic, scientific, or technical writing.
  • Linked/connected/related: Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
  • Tied/go together: Informal, avoid in academic writing.

E. Special Cases and Exceptions

  • “Correlated” and “associated” are not always interchangeable, especially in statistics, where “association” may include non-linear relationships.
  • “Linked” can refer to a physical or conceptual connection, not always statistical.
  • “Related” is often too vague for scientific writing.

F. Table: Common Rules and Exceptions

Synonym Common Collocation Register Exceptions
correlated with Formal Not used for physical connection
associated with Formal May not imply direct statistical correlation
linked to Neutral Can be physical or conceptual
connected to/with Neutral Broader than correlated
tied to Informal Not for scientific writing

8. Common Mistakes

A. Misuse of Synonyms

  • Using informal synonyms like tied in formal academic writing.
  • Using correlated for physical connections (use connected instead).

B. Overgeneralization

  • Assuming all synonyms are interchangeable in any context.
  • Using related for precise statistical relationships (should use correlated).

C. Incorrect Grammatical Forms

  • Using verb forms where adjectives are needed: “The variables are correlate.” (Incorrect)
  • Mixing up prepositions: “Correlated to” (should be “correlated with”)

D. Confusing Correlation with Causation

  • “Ice cream sales and drowning rates are correlated, so ice cream causes drowning.” (Incorrect logic)

E. Correct vs. Incorrect Examples Table

Correct vs. Incorrect Usage Examples
Incorrect Correct Explanation
The two wires are correlated. The two wires are connected. Use ‘connected’ for physical links.
Stress and illness are tied in medical research. Stress and illness are associated in medical research. ‘Tied’ is informal; ‘associated’ is formal.
The variables are correlate. The variables are correlated. Use the adjective form after ‘are’.
Obesity is correlated to diabetes. Obesity is correlated with diabetes. Use ‘with’ with ‘correlated’.
These symptoms are connected with the disease (in statistics). These symptoms are correlated with the disease. ‘Correlated’ is more precise statistically.
The two events are uncorrelated, so they must be unrelated. The two events are uncorrelated, but they may still be related in other ways. Uncorrelated does not mean unrelated in all senses.
The factors are mutually connected. The factors are interdependent. Use ‘interdependent’ for mutual influence.
The results are associated to income. The results are associated with income. Use ‘with’ after ‘associated’.
The symptoms are correlated, meaning one causes the other. The symptoms are correlated, but this does not imply causation. Correlation does not mean causation.
Productivity and wages are parallel. Productivity and wages are correlated. ‘Parallel’ means similar trends, not necessarily statistically related.

F. Tips for Avoiding Mistakes

  • Double-check which synonym is appropriate for the context (formal/informal, technical/general).
  • Use the correct grammatical form and collocation (“correlated with,” “associated with,” “linked to”).
  • Remember that correlation does not prove causation.
  • Consult a dictionary or style guide for technical writing.

9. Practice Exercises

A. Fill-in-the-Blank (10 items)

  1. Obesity is ________ with heart disease.
  2. Revenue and expenses are ________ in most companies.
  3. These symptoms are ________ to the illness.
  4. Her happiness is ________ to her relationships.
  5. The two variables are ________.
  6. Smoking and cancer are ________ in many studies.
  7. The devices are ________ via Bluetooth.
  8. These problems are ________ upon each other.
  9. Stock prices and news events are often ________.
  10. Income and education are ________.

B. Error Correction (5-10 items)

  1. The two factors are correlate.
  2. Risk associated to the activity is high.
  3. The wires are correlated.
  4. Productivity is tie to employee morale.
  5. The symptoms are connected, meaning one causes the other.

C. Identification Exercise (5-10 items)

  1. “These two variables are closely correlated.”
    Identify the synonym and explain its appropriateness.
  2. “The findings are associated with previous research.”
    Identify the synonym and its register.
  3. “Her performance is linked to her training.”
    Identify the synonym and context.
  4. “The devices are connected via Wi-Fi.”
    Identify the synonym and type of relationship.
  5. “The company’s growth is tied to innovation.”
    Identify the synonym and formality.

D. Sentence Construction (5-10 items)

Write a sentence using each synonym in the specified context:

  1. Correlated (science)
  2. Associated (medicine)
  3. Linked (business)
  4. Connected (technology)
  5. Tied (journalism)

E. Paraphrasing Practice (5-10 items)

Rewrite each sentence using a suitable synonym for ‘correlated’:

  1. Test scores are correlated with hours of study.
  2. Productivity is correlated with job satisfaction.
  3. Rainfall and crop yield are positively correlated.
  4. Her mood is correlated with the weather.
  5. Economic growth is correlated with technological advancement.

F. Matching Exercise Table

Matching Synonyms with Definitions/Contexts
Synonym Definition/Context
associated a. Common in science and medicine
tied b. Informal, used in business or journalism
linked c. Used for general or business connections
correlated d. Implies statistical relationship
connected e. Physical, electronic, or conceptual joining

G. Answer Key

Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

  1. associated
  2. correlated
  3. linked
  4. tied
  5. correlated
  6. associated
  7. connected
  8. dependent/interdependent
  9. correlated/linked
  10. related

Error Correction Answers:

  1. The two factors are correlated.
  2. Risk associated with the activity is high.
  3. The wires are connected.
  4. Productivity is tied to employee morale.
  5. The symptoms are connected, but this does not mean one causes the other.

Identification Exercise Answers:

  1. ‘Correlated’ – appropriate for scientific/statistical writing.
  2. ‘Associated’ – formal, commonly used in science/medicine.
  3. ‘Linked’ – general/business context, neutral register.
  4. ‘Connected’ – physical/electronic relationship, neutral register.
  5. ‘Tied’ – informal, used in journalism/business.

Sentence Construction Sample Answers:

  1. “Blood pressure is correlated with age in most studies.”
  2. “Obesity is associated with increased risk of heart disease.”
  3. “Revenue is linked to customer satisfaction.”
  4. “The computers are connected to the network.”
  5. “His resignation is tied to recent company scandals.”

Paraphrasing Practice Sample Answers:

  1. Test scores are linked to hours of study.
  2. Productivity is associated with job satisfaction.
  3. Rainfall and crop yield are positively associated.
  4. Her mood is related to the weather.
  5. Economic growth is connected to technological advancement.

Matching Table Answers:

  • associated – a
  • tied – b
  • linked – c
  • correlated – d
  • connected – e

10. Advanced Topics

A. Nuances in Synonym Choice

  • Correlated suggests a measured, often statistical, relationship.
  • Associated may refer to any kind of relationship, not always measurable.
  • Linked can imply a direct or indirect connection, physical or conceptual.
  • Interdependent emphasizes mutual reliance or influence.
  • Related is broader and less precise.

B. Synonyms in Academic Writing

  • Varying synonyms helps avoid repetition: “The two factors are correlated. These variables are also associated with…”
  • Be careful with register; use correlated, associated, and linked precisely.

C. Statistical and Scientific Terminology

  • Correlated (quantifiable relationship, correlation coefficient)
  • Associated (statistical relationship, not necessarily causal or quantifiable)
  • Linked (broader, includes physical and conceptual connections)
  • Causally related (cause-and-effect, not just correlation)

D. Historical and Etymological Insights

  • Many synonyms derive from Latin roots: correlare, associare, relatus.
  • Usage has evolved—‘correlated’ is now mostly statistical, while ‘related’ is much broader.

E. Synonyms in Different English Varieties

  • British English often uses associated and linked in academic writing, while American English favors correlated.
  • Regional preferences exist, but meanings remain largely consistent.

F. Idiomatic and Metaphorical Uses

  • “Go hand in hand” (idiomatic for positive correlation): “Success and hard work go hand in hand.”
  • “Tied to one’s apron strings” (figurative, dependence)
  • “Joined at the hip” (very closely connected)

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the difference between ‘correlated’ and ‘associated’?

    ‘Correlated’ often refers to a measurable, statistical relationship, while ‘associated’ can describe any kind of connection, not always quantifiable. In scientific writing, ‘correlated’ is more precise.

  2. Can ‘connected’ always replace ‘correlated’?

    No. ‘Connected’ is broader and includes physical joining or networks, while ‘correlated’ specifically refers to relationships where variables change together, typically in data or statistics.

  3. What synonym should I use in a scientific paper?

    ‘Correlated’ (for measured relationships), ‘associated’ (for observed connections), or ‘linked’ (when the relationship is established but not necessarily statistical).

  4. Are there informal synonyms for ‘correlated’?

    Yes—‘tied’, ‘go together’, ‘connected’, and ‘linked’ are used in informal contexts.

  5. How do I avoid confusing ‘correlation’ with ‘causation’?

    Remember: correlation means variables change together, not that one causes the other. Avoid suggesting causation unless you have clear evidence.

  6. Can ‘linked’ be used in academic writing?

    Yes, but use it with precision. ‘Linked’ is acceptable for describing connections, but for statistical relationships, ‘correlated’ or ‘associated’ is better.

  7. What is the negative form of ‘correlated’ and its synonyms?

    ‘Uncorrelated’, ‘independent’, ‘unrelated’, ‘disconnected’ are all negative or opposite forms.

  8. How do I choose between verb and adjective forms?

    Use the verb form when describing an action (“The results correlate”) and the adjective form for states or qualities (“The correlated data”).

  9. What are common collocations for ‘correlated’ and its synonyms?

    ‘Correlated with’, ‘associated with’, ‘linked to’, ‘connected to/with’, ‘tied to’, ‘dependent on’.

  10. Can I use ‘related’ and ‘correlated’ interchangeably?

    Not always. ‘Related’ is broader and less precise; ‘correlated’ is specific to measurable, mutual relationships.

  11. How do synonyms of ‘correlated’ differ in American and British English?

    Both varieties use the main synonyms, but British English often prefers ‘associated’ and ‘linked’ for academic writing, while American English uses ‘correlated’ more for statistics.

  12. Is it correct to say ‘correlated to’ or ‘correlated with’?

    ‘Correlated with’ is the standard and correct form.

12. Conclusion

Mastering the synonyms of ‘correlated’—including their definitions, grammatical forms, and nuanced usage—enables you to communicate with greater clarity, accuracy, and sophistication. Whether you are writing a scientific report, a business memo, or everyday correspondence, choosing the right synonym improves both style and precision. Remember to match the synonym to your context, watch for subtle differences in meaning, and avoid common mistakes, especially in formal writing.

Continue to practice with the tables, examples, and exercises provided in this guide. By doing so, you’ll deepen your vocabulary and gain confidence in selecting the most effective synonym for every situation.

Use this resource as a reference whenever you want to refine your English writing and expand your mastery of language.

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