a rare combination

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rare combination" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unique or uncommon. Example: She possessed a rare combination of intelligence and kindness, making her a well-respected leader in her community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was a rare combination".

The New York Times

That's a rare combination.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a rare combination".

The Guardian - Film

Which is quite a rare combination.

The Guardian

And that's a rare combination to have.

The New York Times

A rare combination of delicate beauty and inner strength.

The New York Times

"Sasha has a rare combination of gifts," she said.

The New York Times - Books

Rachel Carson possessed a rare combination of gifts.

The Guardian

He's a rare combination of commercial and political savvy.

The Guardian - Business

It's race and money, Jake, a rare combination around here".

The New York Times - Books

"Bourbon and lime is a rare combination," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "a rare combination", ensure that the elements you are combining are genuinely distinct and not commonly associated. This will enhance the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare combination" for attributes that are frequently found together. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can make your writing seem less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare combination" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that possesses an uncommon or unique mixture of qualities. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing examples where the phrase is used to attribute distinctive characteristics to people, skills, or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare combination" is a versatile and widely used phrase for emphasizing the unique blending of qualities or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media but also appears in more formal business settings. To use it effectively, ensure the combined elements are genuinely distinct and that you're not overstating commonly found traits. Alternatives like "an unusual mix" or "a unique blend" can be considered depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual mix

Emphasizes the unconventional blending of elements.

a unique blend

Focuses on the singularity and distinctiveness of the mixture.

an exceptional pairing

Highlights the superior quality of the association.

a remarkable fusion

Stresses the notable merging of different aspects.

an uncommon alliance

Indicates the infrequent coming together of different entities.

a peculiar synthesis

Draws attention to the odd or strange combination.

a singular amalgam

Highlights the individual and heterogeneous mixture.

a distinctive merging

Focuses on the clear and recognizable combination.

an infrequent occurrence

Shifts the focus to the low frequency of the event happening.

a surprising convergence

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the combination.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a rare combination" in a sentence?

Use "a rare combination" to highlight the unique and valuable merging of qualities or characteristics. For example, "Her work displays "a rare combination" of creativity and practicality".

What are some alternatives to "a rare combination" that I can use?

Depending on the specific context, you might consider alternatives such as "an unusual mix", "a unique blend", or "an exceptional pairing".

When is it appropriate to use "a rare combination"?

It's appropriate when describing something that genuinely presents a unique and uncommon blending of traits or elements. Ensure the combination is not something typically found together.

Is there a difference between "a rare combination" and "a unique combination"?

While both suggest something uncommon, "a unique combination" emphasizes singularity and distinctiveness, whereas ""a rare combination"" highlights the infrequency of the occurrence.