combination of keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combination of keys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific set of keys that are used together for a particular purpose, such as in computing or music. Example: "To unlock the door, you need to enter the correct combination of keys on the keypad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Every character has a chord, meaning a certain combination" of keys pressed, Mr. McKown explained.

The New York Times

I press a specified combination of keys, first tentatively, then very hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Later, when the target of the surveillance is not around, the Spector recordings can be played back by entering a secret combination of keys and then a password.

The New York Times - Tech

Also featured on the site is a tool that, based on how quickly one presses a combination of keys, professes to measure participants' level of irritation.

The New York Times

Microsoft Word's keyboard shortcut for inserting an editorial comment into a document under review (Control-Alt-M in the Windows version or Command-Option-A for the Mac edition) does take three keys to execute, but you can reassign the command to fewer (or a more comfortable combination of) keys.

The New York Times

Press the the combination of keys you want to use to start the program.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's a heady combination of key ingredients that determines who grabs our attention and crucially who keeps it.

Independent

FILM Amy We all know how Amy Winehouse's story goes, and this documentary puts you right in it, through a combination of key-witness oral history and rigorously sourced archive images – the same technique Kapadia deployed with Senna.

The Guardian

This combination of key assignments and cursor duration satisfies the acceptable error rate and minimizes average entry time.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

A search of PubMed using a combination of key words such as "Entamoeba histolytica", "amebiasis," and "intraabdominal tumor" through December 31 , 2014yielded no reports of amebic intra-abdominal tumor.

Surgical Case Reports

This combination of key assignments and cursor duration satisfies the acceptable error rate and minimizes average entry time Fig. 12 Optimal quadrant keyboards.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing computer commands or shortcuts, use "combination of keys" to clearly indicate that multiple keys need to be pressed simultaneously or in a specific order.

Common error

Avoid using "key" when you mean a series or group of keys used together. "Key" refers to a single key, while "combination of keys" refers to multiple keys pressed together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combination of keys" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it commonly refers to a specific set of keys that, when pressed together, trigger a particular function or action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combination of keys" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe multiple keys pressed together, often in a specific sequence. It is most commonly found in news, wiki, and scientific sources. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for instructional or explanatory contexts and carries a neutral tone. If you're seeking shorter alternatives, consider "key combination". Remember to use this phrase when referring to multiple keys, not just a single key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key combination

A more concise version of the original phrase.

keystroke combination

Similar to 'key combination' but emphasizes the keystroke action.

sequence of keys

This alternative emphasizes the order in which the keys are pressed.

key sequence

Stresses the order in which the keys are pressed.

set of keys

This alternative focuses on the group of keys working together.

series of keystrokes

This alternative highlights the action of pressing the keys.

pattern of keys

Highlights the arrangement or configuration of the keys.

chord of keys

Evokes the musical concept of a chord, suitable when referring to simultaneous key presses.

cluster of keys

Focuses on the physical proximity and grouping of the keys.

specific keypresses

Emphasizes the particular keys being pressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "combination of keys" to describe a shortcut or command. For example, "Press this combination of keys to copy and paste".

What's a shorter way to say "combination of keys"?

You can use alternatives like "key combination" or "keystroke combination" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a key combination" instead of "combination of keys"?

Yes, "key combination" is a correct and more concise alternative to "combination of keys".

What is the difference between "sequence of keys" and "combination of keys"?

"Sequence of keys" emphasizes the specific order of keys being pressed, while "combination of keys" focuses on the keys pressed together, possibly simultaneously. For "sequence of keys" the order is important.