a merger between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a merger between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the combination of two or more entities, such as companies or organizations, into one. Example: "The merger between the two tech giants is expected to create a more competitive market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A merger between tax-collecting bodies is long overdue.

The Guardian - Tech

Illustrated story about a merger between breakfast and luncheon meals.

The New Yorker

The fact that it's a merger between early-twentieth-century Dublin and the ancient world.

The New Yorker

Last year, we looked at a merger between the drug company Pfizer and its rival, Hospira.

Harvard Business Review

A merger between TPG and Vodafone is being considered by the competition watchdog.

The Guardian - Tech

So why would they approve a merger between EMI and the much bigger label Universal?

The Guardian

It resulted from a merger between the countryside commission and the rural development commission.

The Guardian

These turbulences increase significantly in the case of a merger between two automakers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, it will have to struggle with a merger between itself and Customs and Excise.

The Guardian

25 May Talks of a merger between Porsche and VW resume at the board level.

The Guardian - Business

Since then there has been persistent market speculation of a merger between the two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a merger between", ensure that the subjects involved are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a merger between Company A and Company B" instead of just "a merger".

Common error

Avoid using "a merger between" when one entity clearly absorbs another, which is an acquisition. "A merger between" suggests a more equal combining of resources and control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a merger between" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It identifies a specific type of combination, particularly in business and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a merger between" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe the combination of two or more entities. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and often appears in news, business, and formal discussions. While alternatives like "a fusion of" or "a combination of" exist, understanding the subtle differences in connotation can improve clarity. A key best practice is to clearly identify the subjects involved in the merger, and avoiding its use when "an acquisition" is more appropriate. The wide range of examples available in Ludwig underscore the phrase's common usage across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fusion of

Emphasizes a blending of elements, often implying a complete integration resulting in a single entity. Less formal than "a merger between".

a combination of

Highlights the act of bringing together separate items into a unified whole, without necessarily implying a complete blending or loss of individual identities. More general than "a merger between".

an amalgamation of

Suggests a merging or blending of different elements or substances, often resulting in a homogeneous mixture. More formal than "a merger between".

a union of

Focuses on the joining or uniting of two or more entities, often with a connotation of harmony and agreement. More abstract than "a merger between".

an integration of

Highlights the process of incorporating different parts or elements into a functioning whole. More technical than "a merger between".

a consolidation of

Suggests combining separate elements into a single, more efficient unit, often implying a reduction in the number of entities. More economical than "a merger between".

a coalition of

Implies a temporary alliance or partnership for a specific purpose, without necessarily involving a permanent merging of identities. More political than "a merger between".

a synthesis of

Emphasizes the combination of different ideas or elements to create something new and original. More creative than "a merger between".

a convergence of

Focuses on the coming together or merging of different trends or technologies. Less concrete than "a merger between".

a joining of

A simple and direct way to express the act of connecting or uniting two things. Less formal than "a merger between".

FAQs

How can I use "a merger between" in a sentence?

Use "a merger between" to describe the combining of two or more entities into one. For example: "The analysts discussed "a merger between" two major corporations."

What are some alternatives to "a merger between"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fusion of", "a combination of", or "an amalgamation of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what entities are involved in "a merger between"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the entities involved clarifies the meaning and prevents confusion, especially in contexts where multiple mergers might be discussed. For instance, it's better to say ""a merger between" company A and company B" rather than just "a merger".

What's the difference between "a merger between" and "an acquisition of"?

"A merger between" typically implies a more equal combination of two entities, while "an acquisition of" suggests one entity taking over another. The former suggests shared control, while the latter implies a transfer of ownership.