combine with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combine with" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to suggest that two things should be joined together or blended together to create a new outcome. For example: "The combination of lemon juice and sugar creates a delicious syrup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Porphyrins combine with metals (metalloporphyrins) and protein.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Historical principles combine with up-to-dateness.

The Economist

"Healthy religion will often combine with recreation".

The New York Times - Travel

Grate beet and carrot coarsely and combine with cucumber slices.

The New York Times - Food

When the vegetables are cool, combine with the drained rice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove to a bowl and combine with remaining ingredients.

The New York Times

Let cool, and then combine with mulled wine.

The New York Times - Food

Add the evaporated milk and combine with the rosewater syrup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Peel the ginger, grate and combine with sugar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rinse and combine with 3 cups water in a saucepan.

The New York Times - Health

For a kick, combine with Calef's Hot Pepper Jelly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on how to prepare something, use "combine with" to clearly indicate the mixing of ingredients. For instance, "Combine the flour with the eggs and milk to form a batter."

Common error

Avoid using "combine with" excessively in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "integrate", "synthesize", or "amalgamate" to enhance the tone and precision of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combine with" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating the action of joining or mixing two or more elements. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in describing the process of integration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combine with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the joining or mixing of elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. While its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, writers should consider more sophisticated synonyms in formal academic writing. Common errors include overuse in formal contexts. The high frequency and authoritative sources further validate its proper and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merge with

Implies a complete blending of elements, losing individual identities.

blend with

Suggests a smooth intermingling of elements, often used in culinary contexts or visual arts.

mix with

Indicates a less thorough combination, where elements remain distinct.

incorporate into

Highlights the inclusion of one element within a larger structure.

integrate with

Emphasizes the harmonious blending of elements for a unified function or purpose.

unite with

Suggests a joining of elements for a common goal or cause, often with emotional or political undertones.

fuse with

Implies a strong, almost inseparable joining of elements, often through heat or pressure.

meld with

Similar to blend, but can also imply a transformation of the elements during the joining process.

coalesce with

Suggests a gradual merging of elements over time, often in a natural or spontaneous way.

compound with

Indicates the formation of a chemical compound through the joining of elements.

FAQs

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

The phrase "combine with" is used to describe the act of joining or mixing two or more things together. For example, "Combine the sugar with the butter until smooth."

What can I say instead of "combine with"?

You can use alternatives like "merge with", "blend with", or "mix with" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "combined with"?

Yes, "combined with" is a grammatically correct past participle phrase that can be used to describe something that has already been joined or mixed with something else. For example, "The delicious flavor, combined with the aroma, made the dish irresistible."

What's the difference between "combine with" and "mix with"?

While both phrases suggest bringing two or more things together, "combine with" often implies a more thorough or permanent integration, whereas "mix with" can suggest a less complete or more reversible process.