a combo of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a combo of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is a short form of "combination of" and can be used to describe a mix or blend of things. Example: "Her outfit was a stylish combo of a lacy top and distressed jeans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It will be a combo of multiple units," she said.

The New York Times

I guess it's just a combo of loving art and loving fashion".

Independent

You want to project a combo of confidence, self-effacement and irreverence.

The New York Times - Magazine

A combo of mozzarella, onions, mushrooms and black olives one night was delicious.

The New York Times - Travel

"A combo of all those personalities was very overwhelming – all freaking weirdos strangling everything out of the latest technology.

The Guardian - Music

Entrees are $16.95 for crabmeat au gratin to $30.95 for a combo of fried grouper, oysters and shrimp.

The New York Times - Travel

(Chinen) Arturo O'Farrill Sextet (Friday and Saturday) Arturo O'Farrill, the pianist and bandleader of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, also leads a combo of this shape.

The New York Times - Arts

(Chinen) Arturo O'Farrill Sextet (Tuesday through Sept. 7) Arturo O'Farrill, the pianist and bandleader of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, also leads a combo of this shape.

The New York Times - Arts

Saul Berenson is a combo of George Smiley and Günther Bachmann, from John le Carré's "A Most Wanted Man," plus any number of characters from Graham Greene.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a controlled version of a swingy cloak, it looks best as part of a combo of matching-toned pants and sweater.

The New York Times

Quite suddenly, I came across a combo of guitar, sax, drums, and double bass, playing soft music in the sunlit Park, under a linden tree.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a combo of", ensure that the elements you are combining are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "It's a combo of things", specify "It's a combo of hard work and dedication."

Common error

While "a combo of" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "a combination of", "a blend of", or "a synthesis of" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a combo of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a list of items or qualities being combined. Ludwig examples show it connecting diverse elements, similar to how a recipe combines ingredients.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a combo of" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a mixture or combination of elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While it's suitable for most contexts, including News & Media, formal settings may benefit from more formal alternatives such as "a combination of". When using this phrase, ensure the combined elements are clearly defined. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase can be used to combine very different things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blend of

Replaces "combo" with "blend", emphasizing a smooth mixing of elements.

a mix of

Substitutes "combo" with "mix", indicating a combination of different things.

a mixture of

Similar to "a mix of" but may imply a less homogenous combination.

an assortment of

Indicates a varied collection of items or elements.

a collection of

Highlights the gathering of different items into a single group.

a fusion of

Suggests a merging of different styles or elements to create something new.

a synthesis of

Implies a more complex integration of elements, often leading to a new concept or product.

a merging of

Focuses on the act of combining multiple entities into one.

a coupling of

Suggests a pairing or joining of two or more things.

an amalgam of

Indicates a mixture of different elements, often with no clear separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a combo of" to describe a mixture or blend of different elements. For example, "The dish is a combo of sweet and savory flavors".

What phrases are similar to "a combo of"?

Alternatives include "a blend of", "a mix of", or "a mixture of", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "a combo of" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable in many contexts, "a combo of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a combination of" or "a synthesis of".

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

"A combo of" is an abbreviated, more casual version of "a combination of". The latter is generally more appropriate for formal contexts, while the former is suitable for informal settings.