combination thereof

USAGE SUMMARY

“combination thereof” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a combination of two or more things. For example, you might say “The company’s success is attributed to its innovative products, excellent customer service, and the combination thereof.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or some combination thereof.

The New York Times

The crowd at this event was young, fashionable, gay or any combination thereof.

The New York Times

Most illegal killings are the result of battle stress, confusion, misinterpreted orders, or some combination thereof.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it's the mafia, or the politicians, or the police, or any combination thereof.

The New York Times - Arts

Movies will be financed by Walt Disney, which owns ESPN; outside investors; or a combination thereof.

The New York Times

He now drives a Mercedes, a BMW, or a Cadillac (and possibly some combination thereof).

The New Yorker

The subject is the sound quality of recorded music — analog, digital, or any combination thereof.

The New Yorker

The question is whether its antidote is therapy, patience, relationship changes, pharmacology or a combination thereof.

The New York Times

Environments may include heat, moisture, chemicals, radiation, electricity, biological substances, or some combination thereof.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maybe the city smelled like football, or steakhouses, or money, or some combination thereof.

The New York Times

Infection is treated with antibiotics, primarily fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), ceftriaxone, or azithromycin (or some combination thereof).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "combination thereof" to concisely indicate that one or more of the listed items or options may apply, avoiding repetitive listing of all possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "combination thereof" when a simple 'and' or 'or' can suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combination thereof" functions as a conjunctional phrase, connecting a list of items or possibilities with the understanding that one, some, or all of them may apply. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that several listed items can be considered together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combination thereof" is a frequently used phrase that allows for concise expression when referring to multiple options or elements that can apply individually or together. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and serves to prevent repetitive listing of all potential combinations. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful to avoid overuse in simple enumerations, but leverage its utility to maintain precision and inclusivity across various possibilities. Consider alternatives such as "any mix of the above" for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any mix of the above

This alternative is less formal and directly refers to a previously mentioned list of items.

a synthesis of these elements

This alternative uses more formal language and implies a deliberate integration of components.

an amalgamation of those factors

This alternative suggests a blending of several factors into a unified whole.

a merging of these aspects

This alternative implies the aspects are blended to become one.

an integration of such items

This alternative suggests a systematic inclusion of the items into a larger system.

a blend of these options

This alternative implies a smooth mixture of different choices.

a composite of these things

This alternative suggests that the final product is made up of different parts.

a fusion of those ideas

This alternative suggests a coming together of ideas to create something new.

any integration of those approaches

This alternative means the integration of some approaches.

a unified set of those criteria

This alternative means that the set of some criteria unified to one.

FAQs

How can I use "combination thereof" in a sentence?

Use "combination thereof" to indicate that one or more of a previously mentioned list of items can apply. For instance, "The solution involves method A, method B, or a "combination thereof"".

What's the meaning of "combination thereof"?

The phrase "combination thereof" means that one or more of the previously mentioned items or possibilities can apply. It's used to avoid explicitly listing every possible combination.

Are there simpler alternatives to "combination thereof"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "any of the above", "or a mix of these", or simply "or both" if only two options are present. See also "any mix of the above".

When is it appropriate to use "combination thereof" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when you need to convey that multiple options from a list can apply, including the possibility of them being combined. In formal writing, it maintains precision without excessive repetition.