combinations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combinations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to different arrangements or selections of items, often in contexts like mathematics, cooking, or problem-solving. Example: "The recipe offers several combinations of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As you traverse the town, new vistas constantly come at you, with amazing combinations of architecture and beach.

The Guardian - Travel

All the options would demand more care workers, though in greatly differing combinations.

The Guardian

The variation involved means that accurately predicting which voices will be best for a particular job, independent of age, gender and ethnicity, means pinpointing the right combinations of vocal features.

The Guardian

It lets you create combinations of actions you do on your iOS device, then automate them.

The Guardian - Tech

If medication is interrupted or abandoned, the disease becomes resistant and new combinations of drugs must be found.

The Guardian

"The style was less athletic than today, the legs are lower, and not so many lifts, but there are many more steps in a phrase than we see now, the combinations are so fresh and so interesting, and there is so much detail".

The Guardian

Devolution should not be confined to cities or ad hoc combinations of them.

The Guardian

Dr Orantes sits back in his chair, loosens his tie, takes a sip of cappuccino and announces grandly: "There are three factors: prohibited pesticides, combinations of pesticides, and no protection from pesticides".

The Guardian

Like pizza or burritos, there is a tendency to top or roll pancakes with anything and everything, just because you can: Cajun chicken, pulled pork, full English, asparagus and Hollandaise, curry, tuna melt, but such combinations are often highly impractical (pancakes are horrible when soggy), and they rarely improve on how said dishes are normally served.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Mattel game, Apples to Apples, asks players to compare things – in its original version, nouns and adjectives – in order to create "crazy combinations" in a game "as unique as the individuals who are playing".

The Guardian

Chris is constantly experimenting with dishes and flavour combinations, so expect tandoori prawns over saffron fenugreek risotto and sesame tuna with sweet chilli, alongside the famous lychee lemongrass martini.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "combinations", ensure the context clearly indicates what elements are being combined. For example, specify "combinations of flavors" or "combinations of strategies".

Common error

Avoid using "combinations" vaguely. Instead of saying "There are many combinations", specify what is being combined to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "combinations" functions primarily as a plural noun. It refers to multiple arrangements, mixtures, or groupings of elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combinations" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used plural noun that refers to multiple arrangements or groupings. Ludwig AI confirms the term's grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, indicating its versatility. When using "combinations", ensure to specify the elements being combined to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives such as "arrangements" or "mixes" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrangements

Focuses on the order or placement of items.

assortments

Emphasizes variety and a collection of different things.

permutations

Highlights the different sequences or orders possible.

mixes

Refers to the blending or merging of different elements.

blends

Suggests a smooth integration of different components.

coalitions

Implies a union or alliance of different groups.

unions

Highlights the merging or joining of entities.

amalgamations

Denotes the process of combining or uniting multiple entities into one.

syntheses

Focuses on the creation of something new by combining different elements.

compilations

Refers to the gathering or assembling of various items.

FAQs

How can I use "combinations" in a sentence?

You can use "combinations" to refer to different arrangements or selections of items. For example, "The chef experimented with various combinations of spices".

What are some alternatives to "combinations"?

Alternatives include "arrangements", "assortments", or "permutations", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a combination of factors" or "combinations of factors"?

Both are correct, but "a combination of factors" is typically used when referring to a single, unified set of factors, while "combinations of factors" refers to multiple different sets or arrangements of factors.

What is the difference between "combinations" and "permutations"?

"Combinations" refer to selections where order does not matter, while "permutations" consider the order of elements. For instance, a fruit salad is a combination, whereas a password is a permutation.