combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of combining two or more elements or when discussing a specific set of items that are brought together. Example: "The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a delicious flavor that many people love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the looming combination of tax increases and spending cuts looks easily large enough to push America back into recession.

The New York Times

Anthony has the ideal combination of expertise, clarity and patience.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

A combination that can provoke interesting reactions to football failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Understanding exactly how the combination of low blood glucose and high ketones prevents seizures has become the subject of intense research.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Calle Sevilla 6, barbadillo.com, tours 11am (English), noon and 1pm (Spanish), €6pp Windsurfing, kite surfing, and surfing, Tarifa The heady combination of strong winds, warm winters and extensive sandy beaches have established Tarifa as a top destination for year-round wet fun.

The Guardian - Travel

This book, in combination with Sheldon's shower curtain in The Big Bang Theory, taught my son everything he knows about the elements of the periodic table.

The Guardian

Wait until the next war on the Pacific, or against some European combination!

The Guardian - Books

Louise, Paris at Dawn Anthony has the ideal combination of expertise, clarity and patience.

The Guardian

As Madden explains, a combination of factors including the risk of deploying reporters to a far away country dealing with a mysterious deadly virus, meant editors were reluctant to cover the story.

The Guardian

The combination of the massive expansion in CCTV use and the ever-easier upload of video footage to the internet is a dangerous one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "combination", ensure the context clearly indicates what elements are being combined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "combination" when a simpler word like "mix" or "blend" would suffice, especially in informal writing. Using a less formal word will make your writing sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "combination" is as a noun. It refers to the act of combining or the result thereof. Ludwig AI confirms that the word can be used to refer to multiple contexts, some examples are: "a combination of tax increases and spending cuts", "the heady combination of strong winds, warm winters and extensive sandy beaches", and "a combination of the team learning his ways".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combination" functions primarily as a noun, describing the act or result of combining different elements. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. The word's versatility allows it to convey complex ideas, but it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the elements being combined. Consider alternatives like "mix" or "blend" for simpler contexts to enhance the natural flow of your writing. The frequent usage and grammatical correctness make "combination" a reliable and valuable word in English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mix

Refers to the result of blending different elements together.

blend

Suggests a smooth and even mixture of different things.

mixture

A general term for combining different ingredients or elements.

amalgamation

Implies a merging or uniting of different things into a single entity.

fusion

Suggests a merging or blending that creates a new unified whole.

compound

Implies the combining of elements to form something more complex.

compositeness

Refers to the state of being made up of multiple components.

interplay

Describes the interaction and reciprocal influence of different elements.

synthesis

Suggests a process of combining elements to create a coherent whole.

assemblage

Refers to a collection of different things brought together.

FAQs

How to use "combination" in a sentence?

Use "combination" to describe the act of combining two or more things or the result of this action. For example, "The "combination of" factors led to the company's success."

What can I say instead of "combination"?

You can use alternatives like "mix", "blend", or "mixture" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance but expresses a similar concept.

Which is correct, "combination of" or "combination with"?

"Combination of" is generally used to indicate the elements being combined (e.g., "a combination of skill and luck"). "Combination with" suggests an interaction or association (e.g., "this drug in combination with another").

What's the difference between "combination" and "permutation"?

"Combination" refers to selecting items from a set without regard to order, while "permutation" considers the order of selection. Thus, a password "combination" is technically a permutation.