combining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of merging or bringing together different elements or components. Example: "Combining various ingredients can lead to a unique flavor profile in cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

Even during the tense climax, he keeps things light, combining smiley walkout with stinging kicker: "It's getting a little Diane Sawyer in here," referencing the famously intrusive interviewer.

The Guardian - Opinion

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

It had the chutzpah of Charlie Adam's 65-yard missile against Chelsea, the touch and technique of Wayne Rooney's swivelling volley against Aston Villa and the did-that-actually-just-happen quality of Jermain Defoe's winner for Sunderland against Newcastle United, and above all it was a gloriously subtle goal, instinct combining with a clear thought-process to devastating effect.

The Guardian - Sport

It's difficult to understand how communities will be better served by combining two mastheads into one and changing a tri-weekly to a bi-weekly.

The Guardian

"Combining text with vivid imagery and high-quality video, they have woven their narrative into a compelling and immersive multimedia reconstruction," read the judgment.

The Guardian

British Airways (0844 493 0787; ba.com) flies to Cairo from Heathrow from £302 Malabar House is ideal for combining lazy days on the Keralan backwaters with exploring the region's history.

The Guardian - Travel

Please note that The Guardian Weekly, our blend of international news, politics, culture and comment, combining articles from the Guardian and selected features from the Observer, the Washington Post and Le Monde, is still widely available in newsagents worldwide.

The Guardian

Last week the new Nationalist party was formed, combining football hooligans, ultranationalists and skinheads, while another faction announced the creation of vigilante groups.

The Guardian

It's all of these things are combining to stifle people's conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

June to September Book it: To Escape To (020 7060 6747; toescapeto.com) has a seven-night trip, combining the Mount Karisimbi area with the Masai Mara in Kenya, from £3,895, including all flights, full board accommodation, transfers, park fees and gorilla trekking permit.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "combining", ensure that the elements being joined are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "combining". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "combining" is as a present participle or gerund, often acting as a verb within a clause or modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and varied usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combining" is a versatile and grammatically sound term, widely used across diverse contexts to describe the act of bringing elements together. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Travel and Sport. While "combining" is generally acceptable, varying sentence structure and using synonyms can enhance writing quality. Related terms include "integrating", "merging", and "uniting". When using "combining", clarity is key to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrating

Emphasizes the process of making something a part of a whole.

merging

Suggests a blending together, often of distinct entities.

uniting

Highlights the act of bringing together for a common purpose or entity.

incorporating

Implies including something as a component of a larger structure.

blending

Focuses on the mixture of different elements to create a harmonious whole.

fusing

Suggests a strong union, often through heat or pressure.

amalgamating

Refers to mixing or blending several things into a homogeneous mass.

synthesizing

Emphasizes the creation of something new by bringing together different elements.

interweaving

Implies a complex combination where elements are intricately connected.

consolidating

Focuses on strengthening or reinforcing by bringing together different parts.

FAQs

How to use "combining" in a sentence?

"Combining" is used to describe the act of bringing two or more things together. For example, "combining efforts" can lead to significant results.

What can I say instead of "combining"?

You can use alternatives like "integrating", "merging", or "uniting" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "combining A and B" or "combining A with B"?

Both "combining A and B" and "combining A with B" are grammatically correct. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Using "and" emphasizes equality, while "with" can suggest A is the primary element.

What's the difference between "combining" and "integrating"?

"Combining" generally means bringing things together, while "integrating" implies making them a functional whole. "Combining ingredients" is a general action, but "integrating systems" suggests a deliberate effort to make them work together.