a brilliant combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant combination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more elements that work exceptionally well together, often in a positive context. Example: "The chef's use of fresh herbs and spices creates a brilliant combination that elevates the dish to a new level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

General Description

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It is a brilliant combination.

The New York Times - Food

"A brilliant combination of an acute mind and a strategic thinker.

The Guardian

"Kids love it because it's very easy to understand, and very difficult to play – which is a brilliant combination".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And with a brilliant combination of irreverence and obstinacy, they vandalized all the pretensions of mid-1970's rock.

The New York Times

(Fischer sacrifices his queen on move 17, only to chase Byrne's king around the board with a brilliant combination).

The Guardian - Opinion

And elliniki, a village salad, was a brilliant combination of feta, pepperoncini, olives and greens in a balsamic vinaigrette.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Wall Street, to be sure, loves the deal, with one analyst, Jessica Reif Cohen, hailing it as a "perfect, brilliant combination".Comcast, which has a well-deserved reputation as a tough negotiator of deals, also has a fine record in arguably an even harder part of the merger process execution.

The Economist

Sweet and buttery roasted scallops are perched on a disk of breaded oxtail and topped with a bit of onion marmalade flavored with horseradish, an earthy, brilliant combination that even as you are savoring it makes you wonder how often scallop and oxtail have appeared in the same recipe.

The New York Times - Food

The night before he had to forfeit the game against Siebrecht, Bindrich beat Pavel Tregubov, a grandmaster from Russia, with an unusual and brilliant combination.

The New York Times

Kennedy, overwhelmed the generals with an almost terrifyingly brilliant combination of cost-analysis techniques, computerized strategy, and austere human intelligence.

The New Yorker

The painting shows her great skill, which is evident not only in her superb, precise, and accurate technique but also in her brilliant combination of objects in an out-of-doors setting flowers, grapes and other fruit, a bird's nest with eggs, and lizards and insects that demonstrates the richness of nature and its exotic variety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brilliant combination" to positively describe the effective merging of different elements, qualities, or ideas. For example, "The project was a brilliant combination of innovation and practicality."

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant combination" in overly predictable situations, such as describing common food pairings, which can diminish the phrase's impact. Instead, seek opportunities to use it in less obvious or more surprising contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant combination" functions as a descriptive term, often serving as a subject complement or adjectival phrase. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in describing successful blends of elements, such as food pairings, skill sets, or strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Food

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant combination" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe the successful merging of different components. As noted by Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. It is used to positively describe blends from culinary pairings to strategic alliances. While the phrase is widely accepted, be mindful of overuse in predictable situations. Alternatives such as "an excellent blend" or "a superb mix" can provide nuanced variations. Remember that "brilliant" suggests a higher degree of ingenuity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent blend

Emphasizes the mixing of elements to create a positive outcome, rather than a specific pairing.

a superb mix

Highlights quality of the mixing of elements.

a fantastic fusion

Suggests a more innovative or creative merging of elements.

an inspired pairing

Focuses on the cleverness and suitability of two elements being brought together.

a masterful blend

Highlights the skill involved in creating the combination.

a remarkable synthesis

Implies a more complex and thorough integration of elements.

a stunning convergence

Suggests elements coming together in a visually or aesthetically pleasing way.

a winning formula

Focuses on the success and effectiveness of the combination.

a strategic alliance

Implies that there is a tactical purpose in the combination of the elements.

a synergistic effect

Suggests that the combined effect is greater than the sum of its parts.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant combination" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant combination" to describe things that work exceptionally well together. For instance, "The success of the project was a brilliant combination of teamwork and innovative strategies."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant combination"?

Alternatives include "an excellent blend", "a superb mix", or "a fantastic fusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a brilliant combination" and "a great combination"?

"A brilliant combination" suggests a higher degree of ingenuity and effectiveness than "a great combination". "Brilliant" implies exceptional cleverness or skill.

Can "a brilliant combination" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a brilliant combination" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though the specific context should always be considered to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.