a specific combination of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific combination of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a particular arrangement or selection of elements, components, or factors that work together in a certain way. Example: "The recipe requires a specific combination of spices to achieve the desired flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Multisite phosphorylation enables a specific combination of phosphosites to determine the speed, specificity and duration of biological response.

Biology Direct

It's a specific combination of environmental factors.

The Washington Post

Epiplasmins from each group exhibit a specific combination of properties.

Protist

The primary smell of a Winstead's hamburger is a specific combination of pickle, mustard, and ketchup — a condiment grouping known to the waitresses as "P.M.K".

The New Yorker

The researchers defined repressors as those who exhibited "a specific combination of anxiety and defensiveness" as measured on the self-reported scales.

The New York Times - Magazine

A final follow-up suggests that these ERP differences are not driven by a specific combination of perceptual and semantic features.

Nature

Hence, sampled farms were representative for a specific combination of region and agricultural types, for example, vine producers in Veneto, but not for all farms in a region.

Nature

Each syndrome has a specific combination of phenotypic features, and each differs from other syndromes by only one or a few of those features.

Nature

Both diseases might be good candidates for a specific combination of drugs that attack their specific combination of mutations.

The Economist

The proposed method can be used to optimize the targeted properties for a specific combination of cement, PCA and SCA.

Construction and Building Materials

New York Times reporter Pam Belluck writes that MIT researchers have found exposure to a specific combination of light and sound could improve Alzheimer's symptoms.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific combination of" to highlight that a particular selection or arrangement is crucial for achieving a desired outcome or understanding a complex phenomenon. For example, "The success of the experiment hinged on a specific combination of temperature and pressure."

Common error

Avoid using "a specific combination of" without clearly indicating the elements involved. Instead of saying "The treatment involves a specific combination of therapies", specify which therapies are included for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific combination of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically modifying a noun. It highlights that a particular, well-defined set of elements or factors is being referred to, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific combination of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the crucial role of a particular arrangement or selection of elements. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like Nature, The New York Times, and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly specify the components involved to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a particular mix of" or "a unique blend of" to adjust the emphasis according to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular assortment of

Replaces 'combination' with 'assortment', suggesting a varied collection.

a unique blend of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the mixture.

a distinct mix of

Highlights the clarity and separateness of the components.

a precise arrangement of

Focuses on the accuracy and order of the elements.

a tailored selection of

Implies a deliberate choice of components for a specific purpose.

a customized formulation of

Suggests a personalized or adapted blend.

a selective integration of

Highlights the purposeful combining of elements.

a strategic alignment of

Emphasizes the planned and coordinated nature of the combination.

a designated configuration of

Focuses on the specific structure or layout of the components.

a determined confluence of

Indicates that this combination of parameters came together as a determined result

FAQs

How can I use "a specific combination of" in a sentence?

Use "a specific combination of" to emphasize that a particular mix of elements is essential or noteworthy. For example: "The unique flavor is due to a specific combination of herbs and spices."

What phrases are similar to "a specific combination of"?

Similar phrases include "a particular mix of", "a unique blend of", or "a distinct set of", all indicating a particular arrangement or selection.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific combination of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that a particular selection or arrangement is critical for achieving a certain outcome or understanding a process. For example, "The plant's growth relies on a specific combination of sunlight and nutrients."

Is there a more formal alternative to "a specific combination of"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a precise arrangement of" or "a tailored selection of" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.