separately or in combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separately or in combination" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase implies two options: that something can be done independently or together with something else. For example: You can use these ingredients separately or in combination to make a delicious soup.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These include different behavioral and pharmacologic regimes that can be used separately or in combination.

Stanford University

There are two basic approaches to directed evolution, and they can be used separately or in combination.

The New York Times

Both approaches can be used separately or in combination depending on the size of the image.

Advances in Space Research

The methods used are based on PCA, PLS and ANOVA, used either separately or in combination.

Food Quality and Preference

This system comprises two functional modules that can be used separately or in combination.

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

Seven different mutants were constructed harboring, separately or in combination, three different genetic modifications to Synechocystis' metabolic network.

Algal Research

Hyalella azteca and Lymnaea stagnalis were exposed to Ni-amended water, sediment, and food, either separately or in combination.

Environmental Pollution

These photographs are permeated with an air of preciousness that is the least interesting aspect of photography, Modernism and architecture, separately or in combination.

The New York Times

These can be used separately or in combination, they said, but in every case success will ultimately depend on two things: patience, and political will.

The New York Times

UMoove's technology uses a front-facing camera to track head and eye movements, either separately or in combination.

The New York Times

"Hybrid" mode uses electric motors and combustion engine separately or in combination, according to the driving conditions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separately or in combination", ensure that the context clearly defines what items or actions are being considered for individual or joint execution. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "separately or in combination" without explicitly stating what elements are being considered. For instance, instead of saying 'The methods can be applied separately or in combination', specify 'Method A and Method B can be applied separately or in combination' to maintain precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separately or in combination" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action can be performed. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it specifies the different ways in which something can be applied or used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

15%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separately or in combination" is a versatile expression used to indicate that elements or actions can be performed independently or together. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the referents are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "individually or collectively" offer similar meanings, providing flexibility in expression. Therefore, "separately or in combination" serves to provide options, enabling tailored approaches in various scenarios and its prevalence in authoritative sources highlights its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in isolation or in combination

Focuses on the state of being separate versus being joined.

individually or collectively

Emphasizes the distinction between acting alone and acting as a group.

singly or jointly

Highlights the option of performing an action by oneself versus with others.

alone or together

Presents a basic contrast between solitary and collaborative action.

independently or in unison

Focuses on the contrast between autonomous action and coordinated action.

by itself or with others

Highlights if something is done without support or with companions.

discretely or in concert

Highlights the option of separate, individual actions versus harmonious, combined actions.

severally or jointly

Implies that actions can be performed on one's own or with a team.

one by one or all at once

Stresses the difference between a sequential approach and a simultaneous approach.

distinctly or as a unit

Underscores the choice between treating items as separate entities or a single entity.

FAQs

How can I use "separately or in combination" in a sentence?

Use "separately or in combination" to indicate that options or methods can be used individually or together. For example, 'The drugs can be administered "separately or in combination", depending on the patient's condition'.

What is a good substitute for "separately or in combination"?

Alternatives include "individually or collectively", "alone or together", or "independently or in unison", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "either separately or in combination"?

While "either" can sometimes be implied, including it emphasizes the choice between the two options. It isn't strictly redundant but consider whether it adds value or if the sentence flows better without it.

What does "separately or in combination" imply?

It implies that there are two or more elements or actions that can be performed on their own or jointly, offering flexibility in how they are applied or executed.