sort of combination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of combination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is a mix or blend of different elements, but not in a definitive or absolute way. Example: "The dish is a sort of combination of Italian and Mexican flavors, creating a unique culinary experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because most inventions combine previously known elements, the court's approach to deciding what sort of combination is so "obvious" as to be ineligible for patent protection will have widespread application.

The New York Times

This is the sort of combination they warned you about in chemistry class.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At the end he delivered a sort of combination of warning and warm embrace.

The New York Times

"It is a sort of combination of spinelessness and incompetence if I may say so".

The Guardian

Was the choice based in friendship, calculation, policy passions -- or maybe some sort of combination?

The New York Times

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the friendship albums — sort of combination yearbooks, diaries and photo albums.

The New York Times

Just the sort of combination that attracted Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning to their Florentine love nest some centuries later.

The Guardian

But I was a glorious mess who had a sort of combination of dreams of grandeur and no plan B".

The Guardian - Books

That is the sort of combination that can make a horse a winner in the Kentucky Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Traditional therapies, more modern targeted therapies, and various sorts of combination treatments have very different properties.

eLife

"There's all sorts of combinations and permutations," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sort of combination", consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate, depending on the context. While it indicates a blend, a more specific word like 'amalgamation', 'fusion', or 'hybrid' might offer greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "sort of combination" as it can make your writing sound vague. Instead, aim for more descriptive language that specifies the nature of the combination or the resulting blend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of combination" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for something that is a blend or mixture of different elements or qualities. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of combination" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe something that is a blend or mix of different elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While very common, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider more precise terms when appropriate. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, this phrase offers a versatile way to convey approximation or uncertainty in describing combinations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of mix

Replaces "combination" with the more informal "mix", implying a less structured or deliberate blend.

type of blend

Substitutes "sort" with "type" and "combination" with "blend", suggesting a gentler, more homogenous mixture.

form of synthesis

Uses "synthesis" to indicate a more integrated and deliberate merging of elements.

manner of fusion

Replaces "combination" with "fusion", emphasizing the joining or merging process.

element of merging

Focuses on the merging aspect, suggesting one element is being incorporated into another.

degree of integration

Highlights how well the elements are blended together, implying a scale or level of integration.

form of union

Implies a formal or structured joining, often suggesting a lasting bond.

aspect of mixture

Emphasizes that something is one part of a larger mixture, not necessarily a complete combination.

shade of hybrid

Suggests something is a variation or subtle blending of two distinct things, like colors blending.

touch of confluence

Implies a meeting or flowing together, often used in a more abstract or metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of combination" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of combination" to describe something that blends multiple elements or characteristics. For example, "The new restaurant's menu is a sort of combination of Italian and Asian cuisine."

What can I say instead of "sort of combination"?

You can use alternatives like "kind of mix", "type of blend", or "form of synthesis" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sort of combination"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "sort of" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion that something is definitively a combination. It implies approximation.

What is the difference between "sort of combination" and "kind of combination"?

The phrases "sort of combination" and "kind of combination" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.