or a combination of both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'or a combination of both' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain that there are two options or components being discussed and that they could be used together or individually. For example: You can sign up using your email address or a combination of both your email address and phone number.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All contain caffeine, guarana or a combination of both.

The New York Times - Style

Is it individuals, the media, or a combination of both?

The Guardian

Suspicions centered on Pakistani militants, members of Al Qaeda or a combination of both.

The New York Times

"Sediment is being trapped by algae or bacteria, or a combination of both," said Friend.

The Guardian

Higher government savings requires higher taxes or reduced government benefits, or a combination of both.

The New York Times

It must be adrenaline, or concentration, or a combination of both".

The Guardian - Film

Investigators said operator error or mechanical failure might be to blame, or a combination of both.

The New York Times

Shareholders can choose to be paid in cash, in Vivendi's American depository receipts or a combination of both.

The New York Times

It is called Asian-Latino; individual dishes may be one or the other or a combination of both.

The New York Times

You first need to figure out what types of loansyou have: federal, private or a combination of both.

The New York Times

Under the agreement, Lucent will pay $315 million in common stock, cash or a combination of both.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting two distinct options, use "or a combination of both" to explicitly indicate that both options can be utilized together, providing a comprehensive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "or a combination of both" when the context already clearly implies that both options can be combined. Simpler constructions are often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or a combination of both" serves as a conjunctive element, indicating that the options presented are not mutually exclusive and can be selected individually or jointly. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts to introduce alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "or a combination of both" is a versatile and commonly used construction to express that options are not mutually exclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and serves to provide clarity in situations where choices can be made independently or in conjunction. The phrase's frequent appearance across news, scientific literature, and general knowledge platforms underscores its widespread applicability. When writing, remember that while the phrase offers comprehensiveness, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy in contexts where combined usage is already implied. Alternatives such as ""or both"" or "or some combination thereof" can offer a more concise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or a mix of both

Emphasizes a blend or mixture rather than a formal combination.

or some combination thereof

More formal and emphasizes the possibility of multiple elements being combined.

or a blending of the two

Highlights the merging or integration of two distinct options.

or both together

Simple and direct, focusing on the simultaneous presence of both options.

or a hybrid approach

Implies a strategic combination of different methods or styles.

or an amalgamation of both

Suggests a merging of different elements into a unified whole.

or a fusion of both

Highlights the process of combining or blending to create something new.

or a synthesis of both

Emphasizes the creation of a new entity through the integration of different elements.

or a merging of both

Focuses on the act of combining two distinct things into one.

or a composite of both

Suggests a combination of different parts to form a single entity.

FAQs

How can I use "or a combination of both" in a sentence?

Use "or a combination of both" to indicate that two options can be chosen individually or together. For example, "You can pay with cash, credit card, "or a combination of both"."

What's a shorter way to say "or a combination of both"?

Alternatives include "or both", "or a mix of both" or "or some combination thereof", depending on the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "or a combination of both"?

Use it when you want to explicitly state that the options you're presenting are not mutually exclusive and can be used together. Otherwise you can say "or both", it might be enough for the reader to assume that both can be used together.

Is there a difference between "or both" and "or a combination of both"?

"Or both" is a more concise way of saying that both options can be chosen. "Or a combination of both" explicitly emphasizes that the options can be mixed or used together in some way.