which combines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which combines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of bringing together different elements or ideas into a single entity or concept. Example: "The new software application is innovative because it combines features from various platforms to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

* Thermador's CJ, which combines high-intensity convection heating and microwaves.

The New York Times - Food

And there's the triathalon, which combines swimming, running and biking.

The New York Times

But Virginia, which combines an open primary and very conservative regular Republicans, could offer some surprises.

The New York Times

The new approach, which combines a number of formats, offers more variety, they said.

The New York Times

Take the Setai in South Beach, which combines minimalist design with white-glove service.

The New York Times

Her text – which combines parts I and II – is severely cut.

The Guardian

The key feature is the cooling system, which combines fresh air and pre-evaporative cooling.

The Guardian

("The Cell," which combines images of DNA and prisons, has all of the above).

The New York Times - Arts

Consideration of the complex law, which combines Cambodian and foreign judges, has been stalled since July.

The New York Times

They are the crown jewels of Gandharan art, which combines both Greek and Asian influences.

The New York Times

Wiggle stereoscopy is a technique which combines the two stereographic images into one animated GIF.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which combines", ensure that the elements being combined are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the strategy which combines marketing and sales" rather than just "the strategy which combines".

Common error

Avoid using "which combines" without specifying what is being combined. This can lead to confusion and weaken the sentence's impact. Instead of saying "the approach which combines", specify "the approach which combines qualitative and quantitative data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which combines" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about it. It connects two clauses, indicating that the modified noun has the characteristic of bringing together multiple elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which combines" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed relative clause used to describe the integration of multiple elements into a single entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as scientific writing, indicating a neutral level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the elements being combined. Alternatives such as "that integrates" or "that merges" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "which combines" to enhance the precision and descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that integrates

Focuses on creating a unified whole from separate parts, emphasizing seamless connection.

that merges

Suggests a blending of elements to form a single entity, highlighting the resulting fusion.

that unifies

Emphasizes the act of bringing together disparate elements into a cohesive unit.

that incorporates

Highlights the inclusion of various components as integral parts of a larger system.

that blends

Suggests a smooth mixture of different elements, focusing on the harmonious combination.

that synthesizes

Emphasizes the creation of something new by combining existing elements, often with a transformative effect.

that amalgamates

Indicates a merging of diverse elements into a unified whole, often implying a loss of individual identities.

that fuses

Highlights a strong and inseparable union of elements, often involving heat or pressure.

that assembles

Suggests a process of putting together individual components to create a complete structure.

that converges

Implies elements coming together from different directions or origins to form a unified entity.

FAQs

How do I use "which combines" in a sentence?

Use "which combines" to introduce a relative clause that describes something that merges or integrates two or more elements. For example, "The recipe, "which combines" sweet and savory flavors, is a crowd favorite."

What are some alternatives to "which combines"?

Alternatives to "which combines" include phrases like "that integrates", "that merges", or "that unifies". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that combines" or "which combines"?

In restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), "that combines" is often preferred. In non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information), "which combines" is appropriate and set off by commas. For instance, "The tool that combines data is essential", versus "The tool, "which combines" data, is also user-friendly."

What's the difference between "which combines" and "which includes"?

"Which combines" implies a merging of distinct elements into a new entity. "Which includes" suggests a list or collection of items within a larger category. For example, "a dish "which combines" spices" creates a blend, while "a set "which includes" tools" presents a collection.