amalgam of both

USAGE SUMMARY

"amalgam of both" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a combination of two elements which can stand alone but are more powerful together. For example: "The amalgam of both traditional and modern styles creates a unique look in her home decor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The whole idiom is a wonderful amalgam of both American and European influences".

The New York Times

And, from Sonic Youth, an amalgam of both, as terse, punky verses dissolved into scrabbling, squalling, ringing guitar passages, cataclysmic and monumental.

The New York Times - Arts

No outsider can really know whether Mr. Arafat and Sheik Yassin are irreconcilable adversaries, the good-cop-bad-cop act of Palestinian politics, or as Israeli intelligence officials believe, a complex and shifting amalgam of both.

The New York Times

They always put themselves as better in every respect, saying, 'We might be autocratic but we're more developed than our neighbours.' "But our list is an amalgam of both political and economic measures, and there is only one north African country in the top 10.

The Guardian

As for the age-old question of whether "The Last Supper" depicted the moment when Jesus instituted the Eucharist or the moment when he announced that one of his disciples would betray him, Mr. King quotes a Leonardo expert who wrote in 1983 that most authorities had by then agreed that the painting represented "an amalgam" of both.

The New York Times - Books

Leo Dillon, who with his wife and longtime collaborator, Diane, was one of the world's pre-eminent illustrators for young people, producing artwork — praised for its vibrancy, ecumenicalism and sheer sumptuous beauty — that was a seamless amalgam of both their hands, died on Saturday in Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The girl is a rich amalgam of collage, both original and photocopied materials.

The New York Times

It is probably an amalgam of circumstances, both in and out of our control, that have led to my daughter becoming an unstoppable ninja.

Huffington Post

The character's milieu also began to come alive, and I was able to create fictional Soledad County, Calif., an amalgam of various coastal counties both there and in the Pacific Northwest.

The New York Times - Arts

The end product is an amalgam of growing pains both large and small -- but in most cases, with happy endings.

The New York Times

"The new leadership could be people already in city government in the executive branch, and an amalgam of new people both from government and outside it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amalgam of both" when you want to emphasize that the combination of two distinct elements results in something greater than the sum of its parts. This is especially effective when describing cultural blends, artistic styles, or philosophical concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "amalgam of both" when it's clear from the context that only two elements are being combined. Sometimes, simply "amalgam" is sufficient and more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amalgam of both" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, often used to characterize something as a combination of two distinct elements. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it is used to describe blends of styles, influences, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "amalgam of both" is a phrase used to describe something formed by combining two distinct elements. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "blend of both" or "combination of both" exist, "amalgam of both" specifically emphasizes the dual nature of the combined elements. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates that you are referring to only two elements; otherwise, using just "amalgam" might be more concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blend of the two

Focuses on the merging aspect, suggesting a smoother integration.

combination of both

Highlights the act of combining, emphasizing the separate elements coming together.

mixture of both

Implies a less refined combination, where the elements may still be distinguishable.

fusion of both

Suggests a more complete and transformative merging of the elements.

synthesis of both

Emphasizes the creation of something new from the combination of the two.

composite of both

Highlights the construction of a whole from distinct parts.

hybrid of the two

Suggests a blending of different species or types, implying a unique result.

marriage of the two

Implies a harmonious and balanced combination.

intersection of both

Focuses on the shared aspects or overlap between the two elements.

convergence of both

Highlights the coming together of two distinct elements towards a common point.

FAQs

How can I use "amalgam of both" in a sentence?

You can use "amalgam of both" to describe something that combines two distinct elements, such as "The new dish was an "amalgam of both" sweet and savory flavors."

What are some alternatives to "amalgam of both"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "blend of the two", "combination of both", or "mixture of both".

Is it redundant to say "amalgam of both"?

Sometimes. If it's already clear that you're talking about a combination of two things, simply using "amalgam" might be more concise. However, "amalgam of both" can add emphasis.

What is the difference between "amalgam of both" and "fusion of both"?

"Fusion of both" implies a more complete and transformative merging of elements, while "amalgam of both" suggests a combination where the elements may still retain some distinct characteristics.