In 15 Seconds
- Used to synthesize multiple points into one conclusion.
- Essential for high-level academic and professional writing.
- Signals a shift from listing facts to logical synthesis.
- Best placed at the start of a concluding sentence.
Meaning
Think of this phrase as the 'super-glue' of a high-level essay or debate. It takes several separate ideas you've already mentioned and fuses them together to create one massive, undeniable point. It carries the vibe of an expert builder showing how different bricks form a single, solid wall.
Key Examples
3 of 10Writing a university essay about social media
To combine these arguments, it is clear that digital connectivity has both empowered and isolated modern users.
To combine these arguments, it is clear that digital connectivity has both empowered and isolated modern users.
Texting a group chat about a holiday plan
✗ To combine these arguments, we should leave at 5 AM. → ✓ Since the traffic is bad and we have a long drive, we should leave at 5 AM.
✗ To combine these arguments, we should leave at 5 AM. → ✓ Since the traffic is bad and we have a long drive, we should leave at 5 AM.
Business presentation about market trends
To combine these arguments, our company must pivot toward sustainable packaging to remain competitive.
To combine these arguments, our company must pivot toward sustainable packaging to remain competitive.
Cultural Background
In Western universities, 'synthesis' is a key grading criterion. Using this phrase shows you aren't just memorizing facts, but building a 'thesis.' Efficiency is valued. This phrase is used to 'get to the point' quickly by merging several slides of data into one 'bottom line.' In formal debating (like the Oxford Union), this phrase is used to 'trap' an opponent by showing how all their points lead to a single error. Lawyers use this to create a 'chain of evidence.' If one link is weak, the whole 'combined' argument might fail.
The 'Power of Three'
This phrase works best when you have exactly three arguments. It feels rhetorically satisfying to the listener.
Don't Overuse It
Using this more than once in a single essay or speech makes you sound repetitive. Save it for your most important conclusion.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to synthesize multiple points into one conclusion.
- Essential for high-level academic and professional writing.
- Signals a shift from listing facts to logical synthesis.
- Best placed at the start of a concluding sentence.
What It Means
You have probably been in a situation where you had three or four good points. Individually, they are okay. But together? They are a powerhouse. To combine these arguments is the signal that you are about to do some heavy lifting. You are moving beyond just listing things. You are moving into synthesis. This means you are showing how Idea A and Idea B actually interact. It is the moment in a movie where the detective connects all the photos on the wall with red string. It feels organized, authoritative, and very intelligent. You aren't just talking; you are building a case.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a sentence. It acts as a bridge between your body paragraphs and your conclusion. Imagine you just wrote a paragraph about the cost of electric cars. Then you wrote a paragraph about their environmental impact. Now, you want to show that the cost is worth the impact. You start your next sentence with To combine these arguments. It tells the reader, "Hey, pay attention, because I am bringing it all together now." It is like the 'checkout' button on a shopping app. It finishes the process. Don't use it too early in your writing. You need to actually have arguments to combine first! It's like trying to bake a cake with only flour. You need the eggs and sugar on the table before you mix them.
Formality & Register
This is a heavy-duty, formal expression. You will find it in university essays, business reports, and legal documents. It is the gold standard for C1 and C2 level English exams like the IELTS or TOEFL. You wouldn't use this while texting your friend about where to get tacos. If you said, "To combine these arguments, we should go to Taco Bell," your friend might think you've been reading too many textbooks. It belongs in the world of logic and professional persuasion. Use it when you want to sound like the smartest person in the Zoom room. It shows you have a high level of control over complex English structures.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine a tech reviewer on YouTube comparing two different smartphones. They talk about the camera for five minutes. Then they talk about the battery life. Finally, they say, "To combine these arguments, the phone is a great choice for travelers." Or think about a CEO giving a presentation. They show a slide about declining sales and a slide about rising competition. They conclude, "To combine these arguments, we need a new marketing strategy immediately." In an academic paper about climate change, a student might use it to link rising sea levels with economic migration. It turns data into a story. It’s the difference between a pile of LEGOs and a finished castle.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you have at least two distinct points that lead to the same result. It is perfect for the final third of an essay. If you are in a job interview and they ask why they should hire you, you can list your experience and your passion. Then, finish with, "To combine these arguments, I believe I am the best fit for this role." It makes you sound prepared and logical. It's also great for debate club or any time you are trying to win a disagreement online. Just make sure your arguments actually make sense together. If you combine a weak argument with a strong one, the weak one might drag the other down!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual settings. It is way too 'stiff' for a first date or a chat at the pub. Don't use it if you only have one point. You can't combine one thing with itself. That’s just... one thing. Also, don't use it as a simple replacement for "and." It implies a deeper logical connection than just adding items to a list. If you are just listing ingredients for a recipe, don't use it. "To combine these arguments, we need salt and pepper" sounds like you are defending the salt in a court of law. Stick to simpler transitions like "also" or "in addition" for low-stakes situations.
Common Mistakes
To combine these arguments, we can see the problem.
(You need more than one argument to combine things, so use the plural!)
To combine these arguments...
(While 'by combining' is grammatically okay, 'to combine' is the standard idiomatic way to start this specific transition.)
To combine these arguments, the data suggests a shift in diet.
(The conclusion must actually relate to the arguments you just made. Don't be random!)
Common Variations
If you find yourself using this phrase too much, try Synthesizing these points. It sounds even more academic and high-level. You could also say Taking these perspectives into account. For something slightly shorter, Integrating these ideas works beautifully. In a more professional business setting, people often say Looking at these factors collectively. If you want to be very direct, try When viewed together, these arguments suggest.... Even simple phrases like All things considered can do the same job, but they don't have the same "weight" as the original phrase. Use Synthesizing if you want to impress a professor.
Real Conversations
Professor
Student
to combine these arguments, I believe the policy is unsustainable.Professor
Manager
Employee
To combine these arguments, we should probably skip the extra features for now.Manager
Quick FAQ
Is this phrase too formal for an email?
If it’s a professional email to a client, it’s great. If it’s to your work-bestie, maybe skip it.
Can I use 'merge' instead of 'combine'?
'Merge' sounds a bit like a car accident or a corporate takeover. 'Combine' or 'synthesize' is better for logic.
Does it always need a comma?
Yes! Since it's an introductory phrase, you need that little pause provided by the comma.
Can I use it in the middle of a sentence?
It’s possible, but it usually loses its power. It’s much more effective at the beginning.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a high-level discourse marker used primarily in formal writing. Always ensure you have at least two plural 'arguments' to refer to, and always follow the phrase with a comma. It is most effective when used as a bridge to a final conclusion.
The 'Power of Three'
This phrase works best when you have exactly three arguments. It feels rhetorically satisfying to the listener.
Don't Overuse It
Using this more than once in a single essay or speech makes you sound repetitive. Save it for your most important conclusion.
The 'Expert' Vibe
Using this phrase instantly makes you sound more authoritative and 'expert-like' in an English-speaking environment.
Examples
10To combine these arguments, it is clear that digital connectivity has both empowered and isolated modern users.
To combine these arguments, it is clear that digital connectivity has both empowered and isolated modern users.
Shows the synthesis of two opposing points (empowerment vs. isolation).
✗ To combine these arguments, we should leave at 5 AM. → ✓ Since the traffic is bad and we have a long drive, we should leave at 5 AM.
✗ To combine these arguments, we should leave at 5 AM. → ✓ Since the traffic is bad and we have a long drive, we should leave at 5 AM.
The original is too formal for a casual text message.
To combine these arguments, our company must pivot toward sustainable packaging to remain competitive.
To combine these arguments, our company must pivot toward sustainable packaging to remain competitive.
Used to justify a major strategic decision based on previous data.
To combine these arguments, the film's stunning visuals cannot save its weak and predictable script.
To combine these arguments, the film's stunning visuals cannot save its weak and predictable script.
Balances a positive point with a negative one to reach a final verdict.
The food was spicy, the flights were late, and the views were insane; to combine these arguments, I’d do it all again!
The food was spicy, the flights were late, and the views were insane; to combine these arguments, I’d do it all again!
A slightly more playful use of a formal phrase for humorous effect.
To combine these arguments, vertical farming represents the only viable future for feeding our growing cities.
To combine these arguments, vertical farming represents the only viable future for feeding our growing cities.
A classic 'closing' statement in a formal debate setting.
✗ To combine these arguments, the library is closed. → ✓ Because of the holiday, the library is closed.
✗ To combine these arguments, the library is closed. → ✓ Because of the holiday, the library is closed.
You cannot 'combine' if there is only one reason given.
To combine these arguments, it feels like we are speaking different languages when we fight.
To combine these arguments, it feels like we are speaking different languages when we fight.
Synthesizes several emotional points into a single metaphor.
To combine these arguments, updating your OS is the most effective way to prevent future crashes.
To combine these arguments, updating your OS is the most effective way to prevent future crashes.
Professional tone used to convince a user to take action.
To combine these arguments, Netflix has better originals, but Disney+ is better for family value.
To combine these arguments, Netflix has better originals, but Disney+ is better for family value.
Modern context comparing real-world apps/services.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence using the correct form of the phrase.
__________ these arguments, we can conclude that the project is too risky for our current budget.
The introductory infinitive 'To combine' is the standard way to start this logical synthesis.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?
Select the best option:
This phrase is formal and academic; it fits perfectly with a discussion about climate patterns.
Match the argument combination to the correct conclusion.
Argument 1: High cost. Argument 2: Low demand.
High cost and low demand logically lead to the conclusion that a product will fail.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises__________ these arguments, we can conclude that the project is too risky for our current budget.
The introductory infinitive 'To combine' is the standard way to start this logical synthesis.
Select the best option:
This phrase is formal and academic; it fits perfectly with a discussion about climate patterns.
Argument 1: High cost. Argument 2: Low demand.
High cost and low demand logically lead to the conclusion that a product will fail.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'those' is used if you are referring to arguments made by someone else or arguments mentioned further back in the text.
Absolutely. It is standard in all major varieties of English, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian.
Yes! It's great for answering 'Tell me about a time you solved a problem.' You can combine the arguments for different solutions to show why you picked the best one.
'Combine' is more general. 'Synthesize' is more academic and implies that the original parts have changed to form something new.
Yes, in this context, it is a perfectly grammatical 'infinitive of purpose' used as an introductory phrase.
Related Phrases
To synthesize these points
synonymTo combine ideas to form a new, complex whole.
To sum up
similarTo give a brief summary of the main points.
On the other hand
contrastUsed to present a contrasting point.
To bridge the gap
builds onTo connect two very different ideas or groups.
