combination of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'combination of things' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a mix of items or elements, often for a specific purpose. For example: "This recipe requires a unique combination of things, including sugar, salt, and pepper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It will be a combination of things".

The New York Times

"So that's a combination of things.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a weird combination of things.

The Guardian

We need a combination of things".

The Guardian

I like the combination of things".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It has got a combination of things.

The Guardian - Books

A. It was a combination of things.

The New York Times

"It was a combination of things.

The New York Times - Sports

"A combination of things," Bryant said of his mood.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think a combination of things happened during the season.

The New York Times - Sports

"As a sport it is a weird combination of things.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "combination of things" when you want to indicate that several factors or elements are working together to produce a particular result or situation. It's particularly effective when a single cause is insufficient to explain the outcome.

Common error

While "combination of things" is versatile, avoid overusing it, especially in close proximity. Vary your language with more specific terms when possible to provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combination of things" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement, object, or appositive. It signifies that a situation, feeling, or decision stems from multiple elements or factors rather than a single cause. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

17%

Tech

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combination of things" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to indicate that multiple factors contribute to a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees wide application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal use, remember to avoid overusing the phrase by considering alternatives such as "mix of elements" for enhanced clarity. When seeking to attribute something to numerous intertwined components, "combination of things" remains a valuable tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mix of elements

Focuses on the blending of different components.

a confluence of factors

Highlights the converging nature of different factors.

a set of circumstances

Emphasizes the specific conditions that contribute to a situation.

a convergence of events

Stresses the simultaneous occurrence and impact of multiple events.

a collection of items

Highlights that you have multiple objects.

an array of aspects

Focuses on many facets that something has.

a multitude of reasons

Emphasizes the numerous reasons behind something.

a variety of components

Highlights the variation among parts.

an amalgamation of features

Focuses on multiple qualities.

a compound of ingredients

It speaks about the multiple and different ingredients.

FAQs

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

You can use "combination of things" to describe a situation resulting from multiple factors. For example, "The project's success was due to a combination of things, including hard work and good planning."

What are some alternatives to "combination of things"?

Alternatives include "mix of elements", "confluence of factors", or "set of circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "combination of things"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that multiple, interconnected factors are contributing to a particular outcome or situation, rather than attributing it to a single cause.

Is "combination of things" formal or informal?

The phrase "combination of things" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely understood and accepted in various registers of English.