a combinations of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a combinations of" is not correct in written English.
It should be "a combination of" to indicate a single entity made up of multiple elements. Example: "The recipe calls for a combination of spices to enhance the flavor."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died through a combinations of mass executions, starvation and brutal labour camps.

The Guardian

Carefully controlled experiments using a combinations of test benches with simulated exhaust and multicylinder diesel engines are performed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

British academics have used a combinations of maths, criminology and geographic profiling to back up a theory over the identity of mysterious street artist Banksy.

The Guardian - Arts

The regularities of α-brass dezincification in chloride solution were studied by a combinations of radiotracer and electrochemical measurements.

Electrochimica Acta

with a combinations of concave clearance (18 mm, 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm) between concave sieve and rotating blades.

Applied Energy

Many factors contribute to such a failure; bolt load non-uniformity, inadequate flange to gasket stiffness, inappropriate bolt spacing requirements or a combinations of some of these.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Combo skin-A combination of either.

WikiHow

A combination of those.

The New York Times

A combination of the above?

Independent

A combination of both?

The Guardian

Usually it is a combination of both.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple factors contributing to an outcome, use "a combination of" followed by a list of the factors. For example, "Success requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and talent."

Common error

The phrase "a combinations of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a combination of". This is because "combination" refers to a single instance of elements being combined. Always use the singular form.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase is to act as a noun phrase modifier. However, the query, "a combinations of", is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a combination of", which serves to specify that something is formed from multiple elements. Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query phrase, "a combinations of", is grammatically incorrect. The proper form is "a combination of", used to describe something composed of multiple elements. Ludwig AI analysis underscores this correction. Although found across various sources, including science, news, and academia, its incorrect form undermines clarity. When aiming to express that something is made up of different parts, remember to use the singular "combination". Consider alternatives like "a mix of" or "a blend of" to maintain grammatical accuracy and enhance the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mix of

Uses "mix" instead of "combinations", implying a blend of different elements; simpler and more direct.

a blend of

Replaces "combinations" with "blend", suggesting a smooth integration of different components.

a mixture of

Substitutes "combinations" with "mixture", indicating a combination of different things mixed together.

a merging of

Changes "combinations" to "merging", focusing on the act of combining into a single entity.

a fusion of

Replaces "combinations" with "fusion", suggesting a more complex and integrated combination.

an amalgamation of

Substitutes with "amalgamation", implying a merging of different elements into a unified whole.

a synthesis of

Replaces "combinations" with "synthesis", suggesting a deliberate combination to create something new.

a composite of

Changes to "composite", highlighting that the result is made up of distinct parts.

a consolidation of

Substitutes "combinations" with "consolidation", suggesting the strengthening of something by combining elements.

a convergence of

Replaces "combinations" with "convergence", indicating different elements coming together at one point.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "a combination of" in a sentence?

The correct way is to use the singular form "a combination of" followed by the elements being combined. For example, "The solution involves "a combination of" strategies."

What are some alternatives to "a combinations of"?

Since "a combinations of" is grammatically incorrect, use "a combination of" or alternatives such as "a mix of", "a blend of", or "a mixture of".

Is "a combination of" formal or informal?

"A combination of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than on the phrase itself.

How do I decide whether to use "a combination of" or another phrase?

Use "a combination of" when you want to emphasize that several distinct elements are working together. If you want to emphasize blending, use "a blend of". If you want to focus on mixing, use "a mix of".