that may combine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may combine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing elements or factors that have the potential to come together or merge in some way. Example: "The two technologies that may combine to create a more efficient solution are solar power and battery storage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We also describe the rationale for combination prevention approaches that may combine PrEP with other prevention modalities as part of a larger prevention package.

AIDS and Behavior

Because pills alone will never completely control the AIDS epidemic, we will also discuss the rationale for combination prevention approaches that may combine PrEP (if proven efficacious) with other prevention strategies.

AIDS and Behavior

He sees architecture not as a style, but as a language that may combine classical elements with modern compositional ideas.

The New York Times

Methods that may combine biofuel production with conservation goals need to be tested for various forest types.

Forest Ecology and Management

However, at any leveling-up point you can choose to specialise in other areas, creating hybrid characters that may combine Abilities from all three paths.

The Guardian - Tech

Online booking sites, which are able to negotiate and design package travel deals that may combine air fare, hotel and car rentals into a single price, are now heavily promoting the benefits of packages.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This suggests that people may combine prior expectations and new evidence in ways that fail to be captured by the dominant models of cognition as an 'optimal' process.

Johns Hopkins University

Instead, the authors see shifting patterns of belief and behavior that may nevertheless combine to make certain families less stable, or certain young people less employable.

The New Yorker

In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that LPS may combine with Stx to facilitate vascular injury [8], leading to a pathological cascade that involves the production of nitric oxide (NO) [9], [10].

Plosone

The policy added that WebMD may combine personal and nonpersonal information about users on the site, or may collate that data with information gathered from external sources.

The New York Times

Some reports have suggested that Redknapp may combine the Tottenham and England roles.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may combine", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what elements are being combined and the potential outcome or purpose of the combination.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "that may combine" in a way that obscures the agent or entity performing the combining action. Be direct and specify the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may combine" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by describing a characteristic or potential action. It introduces a clause that provides further information about something with the possibility of combining elements. This is supported by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that may combine" functions as a relative clause expressing the potential for integration or merging. It is commonly used in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a possibility without asserting certainty. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While alternatives like "that could merge" or "that might integrate" exist, "that may combine" offers a versatile and widely accepted way to describe potential combinations. Remember to maintain clarity by specifying the elements involved in the combination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could merge

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a slightly lower probability or possibility.

that might integrate

Substitutes "combine" with "integrate", suggesting a more seamless or unified blending.

that can converge

Uses "converge" to imply a coming together from different directions or origins.

that could consolidate

Emphasizes the strengthening or solidifying aspect of combining.

that might amalgamate

Suggests a blending or mixing together, often of different elements.

that has the potential to unify

Highlights the capacity to bring separate entities into a single whole.

with the ability to incorporate

Focuses on the capability of including or absorbing something within a larger structure.

that has capacity to blend

Emphasizes the inherent ability to mix smoothly and effectively.

that can be synthesized

Suggests a more deliberate and constructed combination of elements.

that has a chance to unite

Expresses a probability or opportunity for uniting different aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "that may combine" in a sentence?

Use "that may combine" to introduce a clause describing elements or strategies with the potential to merge or integrate. For example, "Methods "that may combine" biofuel production with conservation goals need to be tested".

What are some alternatives to "that may combine"?

Alternatives include "that could merge", "that might integrate", or "that can converge" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "that may combine" and "that will combine"?

"That may combine" suggests a possibility or potential, while "that will combine" indicates a higher degree of certainty or a planned action.

Is it correct to say "that may be combined" instead of "that may combine"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "that may combine" is more active and direct. "That may be combined" is passive and implies an external agent is performing the combination.