a dangerous combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dangerous combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more elements together create a risk or threat. Example: "The combination of excessive alcohol consumption and driving is a dangerous combination that can lead to serious accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Combined with increasing living costs, this is a dangerous combination," the study said.

The Guardian

That's a dangerous combination.

Independent

That was a dangerous combination.

The New Yorker

That could be a dangerous combination.

The New York Times

I think that's a dangerous combination.

The Guardian - Film

That can be a dangerous combination.

The Washington Post

Together, this was a dangerous combination.

The Guardian

Together, they make a dangerous combination.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a dangerous combination, but my fears were exaggerated.

The Guardian

Experts on women's health understandably see a dangerous combination.

The New York Times

It's clear to see why this is a dangerous combination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dangerous combination", ensure the elements that comprise the combination are clearly identified to emphasize the source of the risk.

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous combination" hyperbolically. Ensure the described situation genuinely poses a significant risk or threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous combination" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, often to describe a situation or set of factors that pose a significant risk. Ludwig AI shows this phrase appearing in varied contexts to highlight potentially harmful situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dangerous combination" is a versatile phrase used to express concern about the potential risks arising from combined elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is sound, and it appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify precisely which elements form the "dangerous combination" to maximize its impact. Alternatives like ""a perilous mix"" or ""a risky pairing"" can be used to introduce subtle shifts in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perilous mix

Emphasizes the high risk and potential for harm.

a hazardous blend

Highlights the potential for harm or danger resulting from the mixture.

a risky pairing

Focuses on the risk associated with the association of two or more elements.

a volatile mixture

Suggests instability and the potential for sudden and violent change.

an explosive situation

Implies a high potential for sudden and destructive conflict or danger.

a recipe for disaster

Suggests a series of events or factors that will inevitably lead to a negative outcome.

a dangerous brew

Implies a concoction of elements that results in a harmful or threatening situation.

a toxic combination

Focuses on the harmful and poisonous nature of the combination.

a lethal cocktail

Emphasizes the deadly potential of the combination.

a worrying confluence

Highlights the concerning coming together of different factors.

FAQs

How can I use "a dangerous combination" in a sentence?

You can use "a dangerous combination" to describe situations where multiple elements, when combined, create a significant risk or threat. For example: "Unemployment and inflation are "a dangerous combination" for economic stability."

What are some alternatives to saying "a dangerous combination"?

Alternatives include "a perilous mix", "a hazardous blend", or "a risky pairing", depending on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a dangerous combination"?

Yes, describing something as "a dangerous combination" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that the combination of factors will likely lead to undesirable or harmful outcomes.

Can I use "a dangerous combination" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a dangerous combination" can be used to describe abstract concepts as well as concrete situations. For example: "Ignorance and arrogance are "a dangerous combination" in leadership."