be associated with
be associated with — idiom
1. used when a problem, danger, or other unwanted situation happens as a result of
used when a problem, danger, or other unwanted situation happens as a result of a particular action, thing, or condition
Dr. Nora Chen warned that eye damage is associated with staring at the sun during an eclipse.
passive: is associated with + [harmful action]
Breathing problems were associated with the thick smoke from the factory fire.
Takeshi's skin rashes are associated with the cleaning products he uses at work.
The study found that heart disease is associated with a diet full of processed food.
Yael's doctor told her the dizziness is associated with the new medicine she is taking.
- risks associated with
- health problems associated with
- danger associated with
- side effects associated with
- be caused by
more direct about causality; less formal
- stem from
slightly more formal; focuses on origin
- result from
neutral register; states direct cause-effect
- be unrelated to
opposite meaning—no connection or causation
Grammar Patterns
be associated with + [source or cause of problem]
Usage Note
This idiom is always used in a passive structure. The subject is a problem, danger, or negative result; the object of 'with' is the cause or source.