singly or in combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "singly or in combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can occur alone or together with other elements. Example: "The ingredients can be used singly or in combination to create various flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Could the states, singly or in combination, seriously oppose such a reform?

The New York Times

These organisms may be used singly or in combination to obtain the desired flavour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spermaceti organ may serve these suggested purposes singly or in combination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pulleys are used singly or in combination to transmit energy and motion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Monopolistic in nature, the guilds, either singly or in combination, sought complete control over their own local markets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Singly or in combination, they appear largely adequate to deal with most of the common mens rea problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Which of these strategies – singly or in combination – seem most likely to work?  Anyone got any better ideas?

The Economist

And at one point in his Jupiter Symphony five different themes are stated simultaneously, singly, or in combination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And all, whether singly or in combination, have preceded previous recessions.Each recent day has brought more signs of a slowdown in the American economy.

The Economist

Most carcinogens, singly or in combination, produce cancer by interacting with DNA in cells and thereby interfering with normal cellular function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In strip tests, the fertilizer elements suspected of being deficient are added, singly or in combination, and the resulting plant growth observed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing options or methods, use "singly or in combination" to clearly indicate that each option can be used independently or together for a more comprehensive approach.

Common error

Avoid using "singly or in combination" when a simpler phrase like "individually or together" would suffice, especially in informal writing. Using overly formal language can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "singly or in combination" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is done or considered. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "singly or in combination" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to denote that options can be considered or applied individually or collectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and commonly used across different domains, especially in science and encyclopedias. While slightly formal, its utility in clearly conveying comprehensive possibilities makes it a valuable tool in both technical and general writing. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "individually or together" for informal contexts to avoid unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individually or collectively

Replaces "singly" with "individually" and "in combination" with "collectively", offering a clearer contrast between acting alone versus as a group.

alone or together

Simplifies the phrase using more common and informal vocabulary.

separately or jointly

Uses more formal language, emphasizing a legal or business context.

on its own or in conjunction

Replaces "in combination" with "in conjunction", suggesting a more structured or formal association.

either independently or as a unit

Highlights the autonomy versus unity of the elements being considered.

by itself or in association

Emphasizes the contrast between isolation and partnership.

one by one or all at once

Offers a more direct and less technical alternative, suitable for simpler contexts.

discretely or merged

Focuses on the state of being separate versus joined, useful in technical or scientific contexts.

in isolation or merged

Focuses on a condition of isolation versus merged, useful in technical or scientific context.

by itself or with others

This alternative is casual and conversational.

FAQs

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

You can use "singly or in combination" to indicate that options can be used independently or together. For example, "These ingredients can be used "singly or in combination" to create different flavors."

What's a simpler way to say "singly or in combination"?

Alternatives include "individually or together", "alone or in conjunction", or "separately or jointly", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "singly or in combination" and "alone or in combination"?

"Singly or in combination" is slightly more formal than "alone or in combination", but they convey the same core meaning: options can be used independently or together.

What are some contexts where "singly or in combination" is commonly used?

This phrase is frequently used in scientific, technical, and formal writing to describe the application of methods, treatments, or components, either individually or together to achieve a desired outcome.