a devastating combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more elements come together in a way that causes significant harm or negative impact. Example: "The storm and the high tide created a devastating combination that led to widespread flooding in the coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Our present times are particularly dangerous because ancient habits combined with modern capacities and technologies of destruction are a devastating combination that can destroy life on our planet.

Huffington Post

Single parenthood and low skills are a devastating combination.

The Economist

He capped his play in Game 4, in which he triumphed through a devastating combination.

The New York Times

4.36pm BST Women's boxing Ren Cancan is down in the second round after a devastating combination from Adams!

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously he was physically attractive but he also had the gentleness of a Buddhist monk; a devastating combination for me.

The Guardian - Arts

Not to mention that she is a devastating combination of postmodern Brigitte Bardot and quintessential little Dutch girl.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In some places in the world, the study points to the possibility of a particularly devastating combination — sharp sea-level rise combined with major land subsidence because people are drawing so much drinking water out of the ground.

The Washington Post

Growers in Fallbrook, De Luz and Temecula reported record temperatures between 110 and 117 degrees, as well as 30-mile per hour winds – a potentially devastating combination for avocado groves planted in sandy soil where the fierce winds can wick away moisture faster than the trees can absorb it.

Los Angeles Times

Banks have been living with this devastating combination of a liquidity crisis and a solvency crisis since the summer of 2007.

BBC

Rafael Furcal and Marcus Giles, who has blossomed into a.300 hitter, have been a devastating 1-2 combination athehe top of the lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

The stomach is a good bet because it is relatively harder to miss than the head, and you can strike here as a set-up for a devastating punch combination.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a devastating combination", ensure that the elements being combined are clearly identified and their combined negative impact is explicitly stated for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating combination" when the situation is merely unfavorable or inconvenient. Reserve it for scenarios with genuinely significant and destructive consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating combination" functions as a noun phrase, where "devastating" modifies the noun "combination". This phrase typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing something that causes significant harm or destruction, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

General

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a devastating combination" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe situations where multiple factors converge to create a significant negative impact. As Ludwig AI also confirms, the phrase is mostly found in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the factors being combined and their destructive consequences are clearly articulated. While appropriate for formal writing, avoid overuse in situations that do not warrant such a strong descriptor. Consider alternatives like "a calamitous convergence" or "a ruinous confluence" for nuanced expression. Be mindful of the register and use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ruinous confluence

Uses "ruinous" to emphasize destruction and "confluence" to highlight the merging aspect.

a calamitous convergence

Replaces "devastating" with "calamitous," implying a disastrous event is imminent.

a recipe for disaster

An idiomatic expression suggesting that certain elements combined inevitably lead to negative outcomes.

a destructive synergy

Emphasizes the combined destructive effect, implying that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

a dangerous cocktail

An idiomatic expression suggesting that certain elements combined inevitably lead to a negative outcome.

a lethal amalgamation

Replaces "devastating" with "lethal" and "combination" with "amalgamation," suggesting a deadly mix.

an unfortunate alignment

Emphasizes the accidental and negative positioning of elements.

a tragic mix

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the sadness and unfortunate nature of the combination.

a harmful interaction

Highlights the damaging effect of the elements acting upon each other.

a potent source of destruction

Focuses on the source and the ability it has to cause destruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a devastating combination" to describe situations where multiple factors together create a severe negative impact. For example, "The economic recession and the rising unemployment rate proved to be a devastating combination for many families."

What are some alternatives to "a devastating combination"?

Alternatives include "a calamitous convergence", "a ruinous confluence", or "a recipe for disaster", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a devastating combination" in formal writing?

Yes, "a devastating combination" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious events or consequences. Ensure the context warrants the gravity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "a devastating combination" and "a dangerous situation"?

"A devastating combination" refers to specific factors merging to create a destructive outcome, while "a dangerous situation" is a more general term for any circumstance posing a risk. The former is more specific and emphasizes the combined impact.