a combination of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the merging or blending of different concepts or thoughts to create something new. Example: "The project is a combination of ideas from various team members, resulting in a unique approach to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

By the end of the week, we started to have our first successful tests using a combination of ideas and Betty's team became more interested in the approach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said that a combination of ideas such as retrofitting planes with winglets, rationalising air traffic control in Europe to reduce planes' waiting time to land and making planes lighter by using carbon fibre could reduce emissions significantly.

The Guardian

"Since then, Riverhead has fallen all over itself and has emerged with no sensible reuse plan and a combination of ideas that wouldn't help the economy any better than it would help the environment".

The New York Times

In Section 3, we describe how the Aalborg-version of the concept evolved by a combination of ideas that moved from production structure towards including all elements and relationships contributing to innovation and competence building.

Research Policy

The foreword pictured above, outlines what the book seeks to capitalize on: "Bearing in mind the knowledge of the Public's Mickey Mouse consciousness and with a combination of ideas from the leading Publicity and Display Executives of America, we present this Store-wide Mickey Mouse Christmas Promotion".

Princeton University

And the remaining gap could be closed using a combination of ideas, including Mr. Paterson's proposal to tax sugared soft drinks, the Assembly's proposal for short-term borrowing, or the Senate's proposal to refinance New York's share of the nationwide tobacco settlement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Each team chose three to four of the top ideas, often formed from a combination of different ideas and perspectives from people all around the room, and shared them with the whole group.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An apple is a combination of visual ideas (including the sensible qualities of color and visual shape), tangible ideas, ideas of taste, smell, etc.[12] The question of what does the combining is a philosophically interesting one which Berkeley does not address in detail.

SEP

A combination of bad ideas does not make them good.

The New York Times

Most people agree that the answer will lie in a combination of different ideas and policies.

The Guardian

He transformed Montreal from a provincial town to a global city, with a combination of dreamy ideas and tough-mindedness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combination of ideas", ensure each contributing idea is distinct and relevant to the overall concept. This clarifies the composition and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of ideas" when the listed ideas are essentially the same or heavily overlapping. This weakens the impact and suggests a lack of distinct contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a set of merged concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a combination of ideas" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the merging of distinct concepts or thoughts. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and commonly appears in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that each contributing idea is distinct and relevant to the overall concept to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives such as "a synthesis of concepts" or "a fusion of thoughts" to convey more nuanced meanings. The frequency of this phrase is classified as "common", indicating its widespread use in various contexts. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "a combination of ideas" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a synthesis of concepts

Replaces "combination" with "synthesis", implying a more integrated and unified merging of ideas.

an integration of thoughts

Focuses on the integration aspect, suggesting a seamless blending of different thoughts.

a merging of viewpoints

Highlights the convergence of different perspectives or opinions.

a fusion of concepts

Uses "fusion" to convey a sense of merging ideas into a single, new entity.

an amalgamation of notions

Emphasizes the act of combining various notions or beliefs into a cohesive system.

a blend of perspectives

Implies a smoother, more subtle combination of different points of view.

a convergence of theories

Suggests different theories coming together to form a unified understanding.

a mixture of insights

Focuses on combining different understandings or revelations.

a composite of viewpoints

Highlights the creation of a single entity from multiple perspectives.

a consolidation of beliefs

Emphasizes the process of solidifying different beliefs into a unified system.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a combination of ideas" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a combination of ideas" in a sentence, clearly state the ideas being combined and the outcome or purpose of their combination. For example, "The solution was "a combination of ideas" from engineering and marketing, resulting in a more user-friendly product."

What are some alternatives to "a combination of ideas"?

Alternatives to "a combination of ideas" include "a synthesis of concepts", "a fusion of thoughts", or "an integration of viewpoints", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a combination of idea" instead of "a combination of ideas"?

No, it is not grammatically correct to say "a combination of idea". The word "ideas" should be plural because "combination" implies multiple ideas are being joined together. Using the singular form "idea" would be incorrect.

When is it appropriate to use "a blend of perspectives" instead of "a combination of ideas"?

"A blend of perspectives" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that different points of view are smoothly and harmoniously integrated, whereas "a combination of ideas" is a more general term for merging distinct concepts. Use "a blend of perspectives" when the integration is seamless and the different views enhance each other.