a combination of these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combination of these" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mix or blend of multiple items or elements previously mentioned. Example: "The final dish is a combination of these ingredients: garlic, onions, and tomatoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or a combination of these?

The New York Times

"A combination of these factors has spooked the market".

The New York Times

The answer probably lies in a combination of these qualities.

The Guardian

In practice many countries use a combination of these systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or if there will be a combination of these effects.

The New York Times

The true answer is plainly a combination of these things.

The Economist

Or it can be a combination of these things".

Independent

In many cases banks use a combination of these methods, making comparisons between banks difficult.

The Guardian - Money

They conclude: "The explanation for London's success could come from a combination of these policies".

The Guardian

It could also be a combination of these two factors or something entirely different.

The Guardian - Opinion

A combination of these factors "may increase risk twenty- to fiftyfold," Dr. Rosendaal said.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combination of these", ensure that the 'these' clearly refers to specific items or factors previously mentioned in the context. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a combination of these" without explicitly stating or clearly implying what 'these' refers to. This can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combination of these" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It refers to a merging or blending of multiple elements previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a combination of these" is a versatile phrase used to express that multiple elements or factors are jointly responsible for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, always make sure the 'these' refers to clearly defined elements. Alternatives like "a blend of these" or "an amalgamation of these" can add subtle differences in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a combination of these" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blend of these

Suggests a smooth, harmonious mixing of the elements.

a merging of these

Simple and direct, indicating the joining of elements.

a synthesis of these

Emphasizes the creation of a new, unified entity from the elements.

a fusion of these

Implies a close and transformative combination of elements.

an amalgamation of these

Highlights the merging or blending of distinct entities.

an integration of these

Focuses on the merging of components into a functional whole.

a confluence of these

Suggests elements flowing together to create a new outcome.

a composite of these

Implies something made up of distinct parts.

a concoction of these

Suggests a unique or unexpected mixture of elements.

a medley of these

Indicates a diverse assortment mixed together.

FAQs

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

Use "a combination of these" to indicate that multiple factors, items, or methods are working together. For example, "The success of the project was due to "a combination of these" factors: hard work, good planning, and effective communication."

What are some alternatives to saying "a combination of these"?

You can use alternatives like "a blend of these", "a mix of these", or "an amalgamation of these" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a combination of these factors"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "a combination of these factors". The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to indicate that several factors are contributing to a particular outcome.

What's the difference between "a combination of these" and "some of these"?

"A combination of these" implies that multiple elements are working together, whereas "some of these" simply indicates that a few items from a larger set are being considered, without necessarily implying they are acting in concert.