1
Show covariation
Change systematically as another variable changes.
Example
Income may be correlated with travel distance.
be correlated with
/bi ˈkɒrəleɪtɪd wɪð/ · bee KOR-uh-lay-tid withstatistical relationship phrase
Vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
Use be correlated with to signal this exact relationship between ideas: vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
What be correlated with Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
State direction
Identify a positive or negative statistical relationship.
Example
Rainfall was negatively correlated with fire frequency.
3
Avoid causal inference
Report a pattern without claiming that one variable produces the other.
Example
Activity was correlated with recovery, but treatment assignment was not random.
Use be correlated with Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Income may be correlated with travel distance.
Rainfall was negatively correlated with fire frequency.
Activity was correlated with recovery, but treatment assignment was not random.
Precision Matters
Be correlated with overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
be correlated with
vs.Signals vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
be associated with
Means be connected with something, without necessarily being caused by it.
be correlated with
vs.Signals vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
attributable to
Means capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
be correlated with
vs.Signals vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
account for
Means to explain something or constitute a specified portion of it.
be correlated with
vs.Signals vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
be contingent on
Means depend on a condition that must be met.
Test be correlated with in Context
The two measured variables vary together systematically.
1
In the dataset, daily temperature appeared to ___ electricity use: hotter days consistently showed higher consumption.