a winning combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a winning combination" is correct and commonly used in written English to describe a successful combination of elements.
Example: "The team's strong offense and solid defense proved to be a winning combination in their victory against the rival team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This lack of self-knowledge combined with his insane megalomania is a winning combination.

The Guardian

"A winning combination".

The New York Times - Arts

Sounds like a winning combination to me.

The New York Times

It was a winning combination.

The New York Times - Books

It's not a winning combination.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a winning combination.

The New York Times

Shakespeare and football: a winning combination.

The Guardian - Books

Now that is a winning combination.

The New York Times

That is not a winning combination.

The Guardian - Tech

When it's a winning combination, it's fine.

The New York Times - Sports

This makes him a winning combination of brilliant yet vulnerable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a successful entity, use "a winning combination" to highlight the key elements that contribute to its success. For example, a restaurant might offer a winning combination of exceptional food and outstanding service.

Common error

Avoid using "a winning combination" to describe situations that are clearly negative or undesirable. The phrase implies success and positive outcomes, so using it sarcastically or inappropriately can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a winning combination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a set of elements that, when combined, lead to a successful or desirable outcome, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a winning combination" is a common and effective way to describe a set of factors that contribute to success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its versatile application across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and business settings. When writing, use it to positively emphasize the components driving a favorable result. While it shares semantic space with phrases like ""a successful formula"" or ""an ideal mix"", ensure its use aligns with the intended positive connotation. By avoiding misuse in negative contexts, you can effectively communicate the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a successful formula

Focuses on the elements that make something successful, similar to "a winning combination".

a fruitful partnership

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect leading to a positive outcome.

an ideal mix

Highlights the balance and suitability of the combined elements.

a powerful synergy

Stresses the enhanced effectiveness resulting from combined efforts.

a magic formula

Suggests that the reason for success is unknown or very difficult to replicate.

a recipe for success

Implies a set of steps or ingredients that, when combined, lead to a favorable result.

a perfect blend

Highlights the seamless integration of different components.

an effective pairing

Focuses specifically on two elements that work well together.

a knockout punch

Suggests something that is overwhelmingly successful, often unexpectedly.

the right ingredients

Emphasizes the components needed to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a winning combination" to describe any situation where multiple factors work together to produce a successful outcome. For example, "The company's innovative marketing strategy and dedicated team proved to be "a winning combination"."

What phrases are similar to "a winning combination"?

Alternatives include "a successful formula", "an ideal mix", or "a fruitful partnership", depending on the specific context.

Is "winning combination" one word or two?

"Winning combination" is two separate words. "Winning" is an adjective describing the noun "combination".

What is the difference between "a good combination" and "a winning combination"?

"A good combination" suggests that the elements work well together, while "a winning combination" implies that the combination leads to success or victory. "A winning combination" is a stronger, more positive statement.