combination of characteristics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combination of characteristics" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the traits that make up an individual, as in this example: The individual had a unique combination of characteristics, including a quick wit, a love for outdoor activities, and an eye for design.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This combination of characteristics is unique.

Columbia University

"This is not a normal combination of characteristics".

The Guardian - Arts

All this promotional activity has raised anew the question of just what combination of characteristics a successful financial centre must have.

The Guardian - Business

Adulteration on such a scandalous scale occurs in societies with a toxic combination of characteristics: a fast-growing capitalist economy coupled with a government unable or unwilling to regulate the food supply.

The New York Times

The House of Lords was having none of it and concluded that an ethnic group could be a distinct community with a combination of characteristics, apart from skin colour.

The Guardian

The new databases and statistical tools allow candidates to seek out individuals by predicting what personal characteristic, or what combination of characteristics, makes a voter worthy of a tailor-made outreach effort.

The New York Times - Magazine

In an earlier study, the researchers found evidence that semiformed pancreatic tissue taken from pig embryos at 42 days of gestation appeared to offer the best combination of characteristics for xenotransplantation.

MIT Technology Review

This combination of characteristics makes it difficult for investors to establish the fair-market value (valuation) of the company.

Cost-Justifying Usability An Update for an Internet Age

Therefore, software startups present a unique combination of characteristics which pose several challenges to software development activities.

Information and Software Technology

Out of a combination of characteristics of the Monitor and Virginia types evolved the battleship, which was next to rule the sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The alternative view is that the combination of characteristics of the US, in particular its higher education system and its entrepreneurial zeal, will ensure that it remains the frontier nation for many years to come.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something complex, using "combination of characteristics" can help break it down into more understandable components. For example, instead of saying "the system is advanced", specify the combination of characteristics that make it so, such as "the system's advanced nature is due to its combination of speed, accuracy, and adaptability".

Common error

Don't just state that something is a "combination of characteristics" without specifying what those characteristics are. Provide specific details to make your writing more informative and impactful. Instead of writing "the product has a great combination of characteristics", detail these traits: "The product offers a desirable combination of durability, affordability, and ease of use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combination of characteristics" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to describe a specific set of qualities or features that, when taken together, define a particular entity, concept, or phenomenon. As shown by Ludwig, it’s often employed when detailed descriptions are necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "combination of characteristics" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to meticulously describe entities by highlighting their defining traits. When employing this phrase, ensure you specify the characteristics to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "mix of attributes" or "blend of features" can provide stylistic variations. This term’s prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and usefulness in formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mix of attributes

Replaces "combination" with "mix" and "characteristics" with "attributes", subtly changing the tone while retaining the core meaning.

blend of features

Substitutes "combination" with "blend" and "characteristics" with "features", suggesting a merging of different elements.

set of qualities

Uses "set" instead of "combination" and "qualities" in place of "characteristics", focusing on inherent traits.

collection of properties

Replaces "combination" with "collection" and "characteristics" with "properties", emphasizing a gathering of distinct aspects.

array of traits

Substitutes "combination" with "array" and "characteristics" with "traits", highlighting a diverse range of qualities.

amalgamation of aspects

Uses "amalgamation" instead of "combination" and "aspects" in place of "characteristics", suggesting a merging of different facets.

cluster of attributes

Replaces "combination" with "cluster" and "characteristics" with "attributes", implying a grouping of related traits.

complex of elements

Substitutes "combination" with "complex" and "characteristics" with "elements", focusing on interconnected components.

unique makeup

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise term, "unique makeup", which conveys the idea of a distinct combination.

distinctive composition

Substitutes "combination of characteristics" with "distinctive composition", focusing on the arrangement of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "combination of characteristics" in a sentence?

You can use "combination of characteristics" to describe a unique set of qualities or features that define something. For example, "The success of the project was due to a specific "combination of characteristics" within the team, including strong leadership and effective communication".

What are some alternatives to "combination of characteristics"?

Some alternatives include "mix of attributes", "blend of features", or "set of qualities". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "unique combination of characteristics"?

While "combination" already implies a specific set of features, using "unique combination of characteristics" emphasizes that the particular grouping is distinct and not commonly found. It can be effective for highlighting individuality.

How does "combination of characteristics" differ from "list of characteristics"?

"List of characteristics" simply presents individual features without implying any specific relationship between them. "Combination of characteristics" suggests that the features work together or have a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their parts.