# LinearTerm


A plain linear (parametric) term, e.g. `x1` or `group`.


Usage

``` python
LinearTerm(variable)
```


Represents a bare covariate name on the right-hand side of a formula -- anything that is not wrapped in `s()`, `te()`, `ti()`, `t2()`, or `offset()`, and does not use `*`/`:` interaction syntax. The column is entered into the model matrix unmodified (numeric columns as a single linear column; string/categorical columns are expanded to dummy indicator columns) and contributes a single unpenalized coefficient (or one per non-reference level, for a factor) to the linear predictor. Use a [LinearTerm](LinearTerm.md#whittaker.LinearTerm) for effects you want to assume are linear, or for categorical covariates; use a [SmoothTerm](SmoothTerm.md#whittaker.SmoothTerm) when you want the data to determine the shape of the relationship.


## Parameters


`variable: str`  
Name of the data column this term refers to.