a cocktail of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cocktail of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a mixture or combination of different things. Here are a few examples: - The author's writing style was a cocktail of wit, humor, and sarcasm. - The new diet supplement claims to be a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. - The movie was a cocktail of action, romance, and comedy, appealing to a wide audience. - The chef's signature dish was a cocktail of flavors, blending sweet, spicy, and savory elements. - The politician's speech was a cocktail of promises, sweeping statements, and personal attacks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was on a cocktail of drugs".

The New York Times

Leading shares are falling back on a cocktail of concerns.

The Guardian - Business

Black-widow venom is a cocktail of neurotoxins.

The New Yorker

Instead, says Mr Horn-Smith, "it's a cocktail of applications".

The Economist

This spilled a cocktail of gases and crude oil.

The Economist

In a wide-ranging speech he also highlighted a cocktail of economic, political and geopolitical uncertainty.

The Guardian - Business

They are illegal and could contain a cocktail of toxic ingredients.

The Guardian

The economy is in a good position but there is a cocktail of political risks.

The Guardian

But a cocktail of many may work best of all.

Forbes

All solutions contained 1 mM PMSF and a cocktail of protease inhibitors (2 μg/mL; SIGMA).

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

The pretreated slurry was enzymatically hydrolyzed using a cocktail of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cocktail of", ensure that the elements being combined are clearly defined and relevant to the overall context. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a cocktail of" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a combination of", "a blend of", or "a mixture of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cocktail of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase. It modifies the noun that follows, indicating that the noun is composed of a mixture of different elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cocktail of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a mixture or combination of various elements. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides ample examples across contexts like news, science, and even personal experiences. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "a combination of" for greater variety. The phrase functions as a determiner modifying a noun, and its register is generally neutral. When using it, ensure the combined elements are clearly defined for clarity. So be mindful and use the phrase to its best!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a combination of

Emphasizes the act of combining different elements.

a blend of

Suggests a smooth and well-integrated mixture.

a mixture of

A general term for combining different components.

a medley of

Implies a varied and diverse assortment.

a melange of

Indicates a heterogeneous mixture, often with exotic or unexpected elements.

a mix of

Informal way to describe a combination of ingredients or elements.

a conjunction of

Suggests a coinciding or convergence of different factors.

a blending of

Similar to 'a blend of', but puts emphasis on the action of blending.

an assortment of

Refers to a collection of various items or things.

a compilation of

Highlights the act of gathering or assembling different components together.

FAQs

How can I use "a cocktail of" in a sentence?

You can use "a cocktail of" to describe a mix of different things, such as "The success of the project was due to "a cocktail of" hard work, dedication, and good luck".

What phrases are similar to "a cocktail of"?

Similar phrases include "a combination of", "a blend of", or "a mixture of", all indicating a mix of different elements.

Is it appropriate to use "a cocktail of" in formal writing?

While "a cocktail of" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives like "a combination of" or "a confluence of" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a cocktail of" and "a range of"?

"A cocktail of" implies a deliberate mixing of different elements, whereas "a range of" simply indicates a variety or spectrum of things without necessarily implying they are combined. For example, "a cocktail of drugs" versus "a range of options".