a combination of keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of keys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a set of keys that work together for a specific purpose, such as in computing or music. Example: "To unlock the door, you need to enter a combination of keys on the keypad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Also featured on the site is a tool that, based on how quickly one presses a combination of keys, professes to measure participants' level of irritation.

The New York Times

After pressing the "Set Key" button, you will now choose a combination of keys that will initiate the Text to Speech feature going forward.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

FILM Amy We all know how Amy Winehouse's story goes, and this documentary puts you right in it, through a combination of key-witness oral history and rigorously sourced archive images – the same technique Kapadia deployed with Senna.

The Guardian

A search of PubMed using a combination of key words such as "Entamoeba histolytica", "amebiasis," and "intraabdominal tumor" through December 31 , 2014yielded no reports of amebic intra-abdominal tumor.

Surgical Case Reports

Such a combination of key volcanological, stratigraphic and chronologic observations can reveal how a CFBP is constructed spatially and temporally to provide crucial geological constraints regarding their development.

Lithos

The data used to document the models have been derived from a combination of key informant interviews with surf-riding tourism developers/operators and in situ observations of the surf-riding tourism project operations.

Ocean & Coastal Management

Most students in both treatments (56% in physical; 54% in virtual) included a combination of key concepts and misconceptions in their responses to short answer questions; only 25% of students in the physical treatment and 21% of those in the virtual treatment expressed solely key concepts in their answers.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There are various rules for how these servers decide to store a page or not, but it is usually based on a combination of key web page lists that are assembled by network and web administrators, and algorithms that log how many times different pages are requested, within certain time periods.

Forbes

Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP -based vector systeMNP -basedn, offer a combination of key benefits for cell therapies including (i) safety (ii) delivectorf therapeutic biomoleculesystemssinNA) enhanceable by 'magneturnctiofferpproacombinationmagnetic cell targeting of MNP-labelled cells to injury sites and (iv) non-invasive imaging of MNP-labelled transplant populations for cell trackeyg.

Biomaterials

It will be a combination of key points, short video teachings from Mingyur Rinpoche, discussion and guided meditations.

Huffington Post

The solutions yielded via this partnership are composed of a combination of key capabilities that include implementing physical and virtual security measures.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combination of keys", ensure the context clearly indicates what these keys are and how they interact to achieve a specific result. For example, in computing, it could refer to keyboard shortcuts; in a narrative, it might represent crucial plot points.

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of keys" without specifying the keys or their purpose. This can lead to vagueness. Be specific about the elements involved to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of keys" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a set of essential elements working together, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it refers to keyboard input, search terms, and capabilities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a combination of keys" is a noun phrase used to describe multiple essential elements working together, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its usage is relatively rare, according to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and can be found across various contexts, including science, news, and media. The phrase serves to emphasize the necessity of these elements for achieving a specific outcome. To ensure clarity, specify which elements or factors are being combined to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of key elements

Focuses on a group of essential components working together.

a synthesis of crucial factors

Emphasizes the merging of vital elements into a unified whole.

an integration of important aspects

Highlights the process of bringing together significant aspects.

a blend of essential components

Suggests a mixture of necessary parts.

a merging of vital criteria

Focuses on the act of combining crucial criteria.

a fusion of critical items

Implies a joining of important items.

a mixture of core principles

Highlights the blend of fundamental principles.

a consolidation of key aspects

Focuses on strengthening through the unification of important parts.

a union of critical elements

Emphasizes the joining together of essential elements.

an amalgam of significant factors

Implies a merging of different factors into a cohesive substance.

FAQs

How can I use "a combination of keys" in a sentence?

You can use "a combination of keys" to describe how different elements or actions are brought together to achieve a specific outcome. For example: "Success in this project requires "a combination of keys" resources and dedicated teamwork."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a set of key elements", "a synthesis of crucial factors", or "an integration of important aspects". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a combination of key" or "a combination of keys"?

"A combination of keys" is the correct phrasing when referring to multiple key items. "A combination of key" is grammatically incorrect because "combination" implies multiple items, thus requiring the plural form of "key".

In what contexts is "a combination of keys" most appropriate?

The phrase "a combination of keys" is suitable in contexts where multiple essential elements or factors work together to produce a specific result, such as in technology, strategy, or even creative processes. It suggests that no single element is sufficient on its own.