by combining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by combining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how two or more elements come together to create something new. For example, "By combining their expertise, they were able to develop a new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drug combinations are ranked by combining the individual drug rankings.

Antiviral Research

Drug combinations were tested by combining single agents.

BMC Cancer

Further sounds are represented by combining syllables.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, they hope to save money by combining overhead costs.

The New York Times

The Venetians also improved silvering by combining tin and mercury.

The New York Times - Books

They may be able to save costs by combining personnel".

The New York Times

Newsblaster writes its summary by combining phrases from those sentences.

The New York Times - Tech

By combining the cases, Republicans hope to achieve two objectives.

The New York Times

Le Gray's images were made by combining negatives.

The New York Times

His job was created by combining five G.M. marketing divisions.

The New York Times

How else to express opulence but by combining?

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by combining", ensure that the elements being combined are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Improve results by combining", specify "Improve results by combining data from multiple sources".

Common error

Avoid redundant phrasing such as "By combining X and Y and...", which can make the sentence clunky. Simplify it to "By combining X, Y, and..." for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by combining" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a method or means of achieving a particular outcome. It typically modifies a verb or clause, indicating how an action is performed, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by combining" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the process of integrating elements to achieve a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse fields such as science, news, and general writing. While alternatives like "through integration" or "via amalgamation" exist, "by combining" provides a clear and neutral way to explain how different components are brought together. Remember to specify the elements being combined to avoid ambiguity and streamline your phrasing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through a blend of

Emphasizes the smooth mixture of elements, suggesting a harmonious combination.

through integration

Focuses on the process of integrating elements, emphasizing the outcome rather than the action.

utilizing a mix of

Focuses on the use of a variety of elements, suggesting a more diverse combination.

with the integration of

Highlights the inclusion of elements to form one thing.

using a fusion of

Emphasizes the act of blending elements together to create something new.

via amalgamation

Highlights the merging of elements into a unified whole, suggesting a more complete fusion.

leveraging the synergy of

Highlights the enhanced effect achieved when elements are combined, emphasizing the positive outcome.

by means of synthesis

Suggests a deliberate creation of something new from separate components, often in a more complex way.

by weaving together

Suggests a more intricate and interconnected combination of elements.

in conjunction with

Implies a simultaneous use or occurrence of elements, rather than a complete merging.

FAQs

How can I use "by combining" in a sentence?

You can use "by combining" to describe a process where two or more things are brought together. For example, "The company increased its profits "by combining" marketing and sales efforts".

What phrases are similar to "by combining"?

Similar phrases include "through integration", "via amalgamation", and "using a fusion of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "by combining"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "through the synthesis of" or "via the integration of" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "by combining" and "in addition to"?

"By combining" implies that the elements are mixed or integrated to create something new or improved. "In addition to" simply means adding something else, without necessarily implying integration. The phrase "in addition to", is used to mention extra information.