combine forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combine forces" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more parties join together to work toward a common goal. For example, "The two companies decided to combine forces to create a new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

To do this, we must combine forces".

The New York Times

He and Rogoff decided to combine forces.

The Washington Post

Which is why nature has allowed them to combine forces".

The New Yorker

Often, the Packers and the university's athletic department combine forces.

The New York Times - Sports

Two nutrient-dense vegetables combine forces in this delicious filling.

The New York Times - Health

His group did not ever combine forces with al-Qaida.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Attackers use the advantages of combined forces.

The New York Times

The exchanges have considered combining forces before.

The Guardian - Business

Could combining forces be revolutionary for business?

The Guardian - Business

In combining forces, both companies offer each other growing brands.

The New York Times

They have combined forces with nonlabor groups like MoveOn.org.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "combine forces" to emphasize a strategic alliance or coordinated effort between two or more entities. It's effective when highlighting the synergistic effect of their union.

Common error

Avoid using "combine forces" when the situation simply involves individuals working together without a formal agreement or strategic alignment. "Work together" or "collaborate" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combine forces" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of joining together for a common purpose. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, such as business mergers, military alliances, and collaborative projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "combine forces" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of joining together for a common purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and formal business settings. When using "combine forces", consider its strategic implications and ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate alliance. Remember that simpler alternatives like "work together" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Some related phrases include "join forces", "unite efforts" and "pool resources".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

join forces

Synonymous with "combine forces", this alternative offers a slightly more informal tone.

unite efforts

Emphasizes the coordinated action and shared exertion involved.

pool resources

Focuses on the sharing of assets and means to achieve a goal.

work together

A general term for collaboration, less specific than "combine forces".

cooperate

Highlights the collaborative aspect of achieving a common objective.

collaborate

Similar to cooperate, but often implies a more structured and formal partnership.

team up

An informal term for forming a group to work on a task.

form an alliance

Suggests a more formal and strategic partnership, often between organizations.

amalgamate

Implies a merging or blending of different entities into a unified whole.

consolidate

Focuses on the merging of separate elements into a stronger, unified entity, often for efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "combine forces" in a sentence?

You can use "combine forces" to describe situations where different entities or individuals unite to achieve a common goal. For instance, "The two companies decided to "join forces" to develop a new product".

What are some alternatives to "combine forces"?

Some alternatives to "combine forces" include "join forces", "unite efforts", or "pool resources", depending on the specific context.

Is "combine forces" a formal or informal expression?

"Combine forces" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "form an alliance" may be preferred in highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "combine forces" and "work together"?

"Combine forces" implies a more strategic and deliberate alliance, while "work together" is a more general term for collaboration. Combining forces suggests a specific agreement to "pool resources" and coordinate efforts, whereas "work together" simply means collaborating on a task.