a skillful blend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a skillful blend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a combination of elements that are mixed together in a proficient or artful manner. Example: "The chef's dish was a skillful blend of flavors that delighted the diners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The beauty of the animation, a skillful blend of hand-painted foreground and well-placed computer background, works to generate the storytelling.

The New York Times

But "Born to Die" is a skillful blend of synthetic nostalgia and teen-age emotions, set pieces constructed for a character she has described as a "gangster Nancy Sinatra" and "Lolita lost in the hood".

The New Yorker

A skillful blend of Cayuga white, riesling, chardonnay, gewurztraminer and viognier, the current, pleasantly aromatic version, like its predecessors not vintage-dated, distantly resembles low-price vins de pays, or country wines -- whites from remote regions of France -- that keen importers bring in for mass-market consumption.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The exception is the leisurely narrative of Les Amours de Psiché et de Cupidon (1669; The Loves of Cupid and Psyche), notable for the lucid elegance of its prose, its skillful blend of delicate feeling and witty banter, and some sly studies of feminine psychology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a good blend".

BBC

And I wanted to make something that felt like a pie but required no skillful blending or rolling out of crust.

The New York Times

Huseyin Karabey, who directed the Turkish-Dutch-British production "My Marlon and Brando," cited for "its skillful blending of documentary style with a classic love story," won the $25,000 prize for Best New Narrative Filmmaker.

The New York Times - Arts

His achievements included the skillful blending of music and sound effects with an imaginative visual rhythm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Blitzstein's skillful blending of musical flavors has its own peppery appeal.

The New York Times

The strengths of the Jack franchise have always been its writing, voice acting and skillful blending of pop culture and high culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Amy, who, in 1926, posthumously won a Pulitzer Prize, challenged audiences at her readings by saying, "Clap or hiss, I don't care which, but do something!" Sankovitch relies too heavily on the imagined thoughts of her subjects, but her skillful blending of context and detail makes the vicissitudes of one family emblematic of a nation's.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or creation that requires careful attention to detail, use "a skillful blend" to emphasize the expertise involved in achieving a balanced and effective result.

Common error

Avoid using "a skillful blend" when a simpler term like "good mix" or "nice combination" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the combination truly requires expertise or artistry.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a skillful blend" is to act as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject complement or object. As supported by Ludwig, it describes a specific quality or characteristic of something, indicating an artful and proficient combination of elements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a skillful blend" is a noun phrase used to describe a proficient and artful combination of elements. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and often used in contexts where expertise and precision are valued. While its frequency is relatively rare, its impact lies in conveying appreciation for well-executed combinations. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its presence in diverse fields, from culinary arts to animation, reflecting its versatile application in highlighting the art of combining elements harmoniously. While not very common, it enriches descriptions by emphasizing intentionality and expertise. Be mindful to reserve it for cases where the combination genuinely showcases skillful execution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a masterful combination

Emphasizes expertise and control in the combination, rather than just skill.

an expert mixture

Highlights the knowledge and proficiency involved in creating the blend.

a deft fusion

Suggests elegance and nimbleness in the way the elements are joined.

a refined synthesis

Implies a more processed and elevated combination, often used in academic or scientific contexts.

an artful integration

Highlights the creative and aesthetic aspects of the combination.

a seamless merging

Focuses on the smoothness and lack of disruption in the combination.

a harmonious blend

Suggests a pleasant and agreeable combination of elements.

a polished amalgamation

Highlights the refinement and finessing of the combined elements.

a calculated mix

Implies intentionality and precision in the way the elements are combined.

a sophisticated merging

Suggests a high degree of complexity and elegance in the combination.

FAQs

How can I use "a skillful blend" in a sentence?

You can use "a skillful blend" to describe something that combines different elements in an effective and artful way. For example: "The animation was a skillful blend of hand-painted foreground and computer background."

What are some synonyms for "a skillful blend"?

Alternatives include "a masterful combination", "an expert mixture", or "a deft fusion". Each emphasizes a slightly different nuance of effective combination; for example, "a masterful combination" highlights control and expertise.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a skillful blend"?

"A skillful blend" is appropriate in contexts where expertise and precision are involved in combining elements, such as describing culinary creations, artistic techniques, or strategic approaches. For example, you might use it to describe "a harmonious blend" of flavors.

What is the difference between "a skillful blend" and "a good mix"?

"A skillful blend" implies a higher level of expertise and intentionality than "a good mix". While a good mix simply suggests that elements combine well, "a skillful blend" suggests that the combination required a specific talent or technique.