a unique combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distinctive blend of elements, qualities, or features that are not commonly found together. Example: "The restaurant offers a unique combination of traditional Italian flavors and modern culinary techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A unique combination".

The New York Times

It was a unique combination.

The Guardian - Music

To me that's a unique combination".

The Guardian - Tech

"He had a unique combination," Bloomberg told me.

The New Yorker

"He is a unique combination of size, skill and toughness.

The New York Times - Sports

Mercury (Hg) has a unique combination of physical properties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's a unique combination of beauty, desirability and mystery.

The New York Times

"He's a got a unique combination of experiences".

The New York Times

The Rand I knew was a unique combination of disciplined rationality and emotional intensity.

The New York Times

"He has a unique combination of fiscal experience and statewide legislative experience".

The New York Times

We thrive on a unique combination of public and private funding.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract qualities, follow "a unique combination" with "of" and specific nouns. For instance, "a unique combination of talent and dedication".

Common error

Avoid using qualifiers like "very" or "quite" before "unique". Since "unique" inherently means one-of-a-kind, phrases like "very unique" are redundant. Instead, emphasize specific aspects of the combination that make it special.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique combination" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a distinctive blend of elements. For example, it can describe someone who has "a unique combination" of skills, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a unique combination" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression suitable for describing a distinctive blend of elements, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's crucial to avoid redundancy by refraining from using qualifiers like "very" before "unique". The phrase finds frequent application across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business domains. To enhance clarity and impact, follow it with "of" and specific nouns. Consider alternatives like "a rare combination" or "a distinctive blend" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare combination

Emphasizes the infrequency of the combination.

a distinctive combination

Highlights the characteristic and easily recognizable nature of the combination.

an unusual blend

Stresses the uncommon nature of the mix.

a singular mix

Highlights the one-of-a-kind character of the mix.

an exceptional synthesis

Emphasizes the high quality and integration of the combined elements.

a peculiar juxtaposition

Highlights the strange or unexpected nature of the combination.

a rare conjunction

Emphasizes the infrequency of the conjunction of components.

an uncommon pairing

Stresses the infrequency with which the elements are paired.

a one-off mix

Highlights the uniqueness of the resulting product or situation.

a special formula

Suggests that it's a unique method or prescription.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique combination" to describe a blend of qualities, items, or skills that are rarely found together. For example, "The dish features a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors."

What's a good alternative to "a unique combination"?

Alternatives include "a rare combination", "a distinctive blend", or "an uncommon pairing", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very unique combination"?

Yes, because "unique" means one-of-a-kind. Saying "very unique combination" is like saying "very one-of-a-kind", which is logically flawed. Stick to just "a unique combination".

How does "a unique combination" differ from "a particular combination"?

"A unique combination" implies that the mix is unlike any other, while "a particular combination" simply refers to a specific mix, without necessarily being unique.