be combined with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be combined with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of merging or joining two or more elements together. Example: "The ingredients should be combined with care to ensure a smooth mixture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cannot be combined with any other promotion.

The New Yorker

It must be combined with bullet control.

The New York Times

How should technology be combined with education?

The New York Times

Curing may be combined with smoking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Octopus's software will be combined with Jeeves's.

The New York Times

Strength must be combined with intelligence".

The New York Times - Magazine

Traditions should be combined with advanced technology," he said.

The Guardian

Equant will be combined with France Telecom's Global One unit.

The New York Times

Volunteering could be combined with your current job.

The Guardian - Money

The Post cereals business would then be combined with Ralcorp.

The New York Times

The move can also be combined with a plunge forward.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be combined with", ensure that the elements you are joining together are logically related to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive construction "be combined with" if an active voice would make the sentence more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The ingredients should be combined with care", consider "Carefully combine the ingredients".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be combined with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is acted upon by being joined or united with something else. According to Ludwig, it's a grammaticaly correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be combined with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that signifies the integration or merging of different elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly valid. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to business communications, indicating its broad applicability. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the potential for overuse of passive voice and to consider active alternatives where appropriate. Remembering this will ensure clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be integrated with

Focuses on incorporating something into a larger whole, implying a more seamless blend.

be merged with

Suggests a fusion of two or more things into a single entity, emphasizing unity.

be coupled with

Emphasizes a close association or connection between two things.

be used in conjunction with

Highlights the simultaneous use of two or more things for a common purpose.

be supplemented by

Indicates that something is added to enhance or complete something else.

be incorporated into

Suggests that something becomes a part of something else, often a system or structure.

be unified with

Implies bringing different elements together to form a cohesive whole.

be blended with

Focuses on mixing different elements together smoothly.

be amalgamated with

Suggests a more complex merging process, often involving organizational structures.

be admixed with

Refers to the process of mixing one substance with another.

FAQs

How can I use "be combined with" in a sentence?

You can use "be combined with" to describe how different elements or aspects are joined together to form a unified whole. For example, "This treatment can "be combined with" physical therapy for better results."

What are some alternatives to "be combined with"?

Alternatives to "be combined with" include phrases such as "be integrated with", "be merged with", or "be used in conjunction with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be combined with" or "combine with"?

The choice between "be combined with" and "combine with" depends on whether you want to use the passive or active voice. "Be combined with" is passive, while "combine with" is active. Use the active voice when you want to emphasize the actor and the passive voice when you want to emphasize the action or the receiver of the action.

What is the difference between "be combined with" and "be mixed with"?

While both phrases suggest bringing elements together, "be combined with" often implies a more structured or deliberate union, whereas "be mixed with" suggests a more general blending or intermingling. For example, you might say "This ingredient should "be combined with" the others in a specific order", but "The paint was "be mixed with" water to achieve the desired consistency".