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B1 verb #43 most common 16 min read

combine

Top 43

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips combine in 30 Seconds

Explanation combine in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'combine' is a word you might use when talking about very simple actions, like mixing things together. Think about when you are in a kitchen or doing a simple craft project. If you have some red paint and some blue paint, and you put them together to make purple, you are combining them. It's a way to say 'put together' or 'mix.' You might see it in very basic recipes, like 'Combine the milk and the sugar.' It's an important word because it helps you describe how two small things can become one bigger thing. Even at this early stage, you can use it to talk about your day, like 'I combine work and study.' It's a useful verb to know because it's used in many everyday situations. Just remember that it usually means two or more things are becoming one. You can practice by looking at things around you and thinking about what they are made of. For example, a sandwich combines bread, meat, and cheese. A classroom combines students and a teacher. By using 'combine,' you can start to describe more complex things in a simple way. It's a great building block for your English vocabulary. Don't worry about using it perfectly yet; just focus on the idea of 'putting things together to make one.'

For A2 learners, 'combine' becomes a more frequent and useful word for describing processes and activities. You will encounter it often in instructions, especially for cooking or DIY projects. Instead of just saying 'mix,' you can use 'combine' to sound a bit more precise. For example, 'Combine the flour, eggs, and water in a bowl.' You can also use it to talk about your hobbies or your schedule. 'I like to combine my love of music with my interest in history by listening to historical podcasts.' This shows that you are doing two things at the same time or using one thing to help with another. In A2, you might also start to see 'combine' used in simple business or school contexts. 'The two small classes will combine for the field trip.' This means they will go together as one group. It's a very helpful word for explaining how different parts of your life or your work fit together. You can also use it to describe objects, like 'This phone combines a camera and a computer.' This is a more advanced way to talk about the features of something. As you practice, try to use 'combine' with the preposition 'with.' For example, 'I combine exercise with a healthy diet.' This is a very common and natural-sounding pattern in English.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'combine' in a variety of contexts, from everyday life to more formal situations. You understand that 'combine' means more than just mixing; it implies creating a unified whole. You can use it to discuss abstract ideas, such as 'combining different perspectives' or 'combining various skills.' In a work environment, you might say, 'We need to combine our efforts to finish the project on time.' This shows a higher level of professional communication. You'll also notice 'combine' in news reports and articles, often referring to companies merging or political groups joining forces. For example, 'The two organizations combined to form a powerful new lobby group.' At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form, 'combination,' and how it relates to the verb. You can say, 'The combination of hard work and talent led to her success.' This shows you can move between different parts of speech. You should also start to notice the difference between 'combine' and its synonyms like 'merge' or 'integrate.' While they are similar, 'combine' is a great, versatile choice that works in almost any situation. Practice using it in your writing to describe how you manage your time, how you solve problems, or how you create something new. It's a key word for expressing complexity and cooperation.

At the B2 level, your use of 'combine' should be nuanced and precise. You understand that it's a powerful verb for describing synthesis and synergy. You can use it to discuss complex topics like 'combining theoretical frameworks' in an essay or 'combining marketing strategies' in a business plan. You are also aware of the passive voice usage, such as 'The two departments were combined to improve efficiency,' which is common in formal reports. You can distinguish between 'combine' and more specialized terms like 'amalgamate,' 'coalesce,' or 'fuse,' choosing the one that best fits the register and context of your communication. For instance, you might use 'fuse' when talking about a very strong, creative union of styles, and 'amalgamate' for a formal corporate merger. Your sentences will often be more complex, such as 'By combining a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive extracurricular opportunities, the school aims to develop well-rounded students.' Here, 'combine' is used to show a strategic and purposeful integration. You should also be comfortable using 'combine' in idiomatic expressions or common collocations like 'combine business with pleasure.' At this level, you are not just using the word to describe simple actions; you are using it to articulate sophisticated ideas about how the world is organized and how progress is made through the integration of different elements.

For C1 learners, 'combine' is a versatile tool for high-level academic and professional discourse. You use it to describe the intricate ways in which ideas, data, and resources are synthesized to create new knowledge or value. You might write about 'combining quantitative and qualitative research methods' to provide a more comprehensive analysis of a phenomenon. Your use of the word reflects an understanding of its strategic implications. For example, in a leadership context, you might discuss 'combining the diverse talents of a team' to foster innovation. You are also sensitive to the subtle connotations of 'combine' compared to its more formal synonyms. You might choose 'coalesce' to describe a natural, gradual coming together of ideas, or 'integrate' to emphasize the smooth incorporation of a new element into an existing system. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you can use 'combine' as a base and then add precision with adverbs, such as 'seamlessly combine,' 'strategically combine,' or 'effectively combine.' You also understand the word's role in various specialized fields, from chemistry to law to linguistics. In a legal context, you might talk about 'combining causes of action,' while in linguistics, you might discuss 'combining morphemes' to form words. At this level, 'combine' is not just a verb; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express complex relationships and processes with clarity and sophistication.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'combine' is complete, and you use it with the ease and precision of a highly educated native speaker. You can employ it in the most demanding intellectual contexts, such as philosophical treatises or complex scientific papers. You might discuss the 'combining of disparate ontological categories' or the 'combining of multi-variate data sets' with perfect accuracy. Your use of the word is often characterized by its elegance and its ability to clarify dense or difficult concepts. You are also a master of the word's idiomatic and metaphorical potential. You can use it in creative writing to describe the 'combining of light and shadow' to create a specific mood, or in a political speech to call for the 'combining of national interests' for the global good. You are fully aware of the word's etymological roots and how they inform its modern usage. You can effortlessly navigate between 'combine' and its most obscure synonyms, choosing the exact word that provides the desired tone and precision. Whether you are delivering a keynote address, writing a doctoral thesis, or engaging in a high-stakes negotiation, 'combine' is a word that you use with total confidence and strategic intent. It is a fundamental part of your linguistic toolkit, allowing you to articulate the most complex and nuanced aspects of human thought and action.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

combine in 30 Seconds

To join two or more things into one single unit or substance.
To unite people, groups, or resources for a common purpose or goal.
To merge different ideas, styles, or features to create something new.
A versatile verb used in cooking, business, science, and everyday life.

The verb combine is a versatile and essential word in the English language, primarily used to describe the act of bringing two or more separate entities together to form a unified whole. Whether you are in a kitchen mixing ingredients, in a laboratory merging chemical compounds, or in a boardroom uniting different business strategies, the concept of combination is central to progress and creation. At its core, to combine means to join, merge, or unite. This can be a physical process, such as when you combine flour and water to make dough, or an abstract process, such as when a filmmaker combines suspense with comedy to create a unique cinematic experience. The word carries a sense of synergy—the idea that the resulting single unit is often more effective, interesting, or powerful than the individual parts were on their own.

Physical Integration: This refers to the literal mixing of substances. In cooking, chemistry, or construction, you combine materials so they can no longer be easily separated. For example, 'Combine the dry ingredients before adding the milk.'
Conceptual Synthesis: This involves merging ideas, styles, or theories. A novelist might combine historical facts with fictional characters to write a compelling story. It is about the intellectual blending of different themes.
Collaborative Effort: When people or groups work together, they combine their resources, talents, or strengths. 'The two companies decided to combine their research departments to speed up innovation.'

To create the perfect atmosphere, the designer decided to combine modern furniture with vintage lighting fixtures, resulting in a timeless look.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word frequently when people discuss multitasking or lifestyle choices. Someone might talk about how they combine a full-time job with evening classes, or how a specific smartphone combines the features of a camera, a computer, and a telephone. The word is inherently positive in many contexts, suggesting efficiency and the creation of something new. However, it can also be used neutrally in technical descriptions. Understanding the nuances of 'combine' allows you to describe complex processes where multiple elements interact. It is different from 'mix' because 'combine' often implies a more permanent or structured union. While you might mix a salad (where the parts remain distinct), you combine ingredients for a cake (where they transform into a new substance).

The recipe instructs you to combine the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Furthermore, 'combine' is a staple in academic and professional writing. Researchers combine data sets to find correlations; politicians combine various policy proposals to form a comprehensive platform. It is a word that bridges the gap between the tangible and the intangible. Whether you are talking about colors on a palette or the combined weight of several packages, the word serves as a linguistic glue. It helps us articulate the complexity of the world, where few things exist in total isolation. By learning to use 'combine' effectively, you can describe how the world is built, how ideas are formed, and how people work together toward common goals.

If we combine our resources, we can afford to rent a much larger office space in the city center.

The artist likes to combine different textures, like rough wood and smooth metal, in her sculptures.

In Mathematics: In algebra, students learn to 'combine like terms,' which means adding or subtracting variables that are the same to simplify an equation.
In Business: A 'business combination' is a transaction where an acquirer obtains control of one or more businesses, often through a merger or acquisition.

The new software will combine all your email accounts into one easy-to-manage inbox.

Using the word combine correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the contexts in which it thrives. Most commonly, it functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object. You combine something with something else. However, it can also be used intransitively, where multiple subjects 'combine' to produce a result. For instance, 'The two rivers combine to form a great estuary.' This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for describing both actions and natural occurrences. When using it in sentences, pay attention to the relationship between the parts being joined. Are they being mixed thoroughly, or are they simply being placed together for a shared purpose? The choice of prepositions and surrounding words will clarify this for your reader.

Transitive Pattern (A + B): 'You should combine the flour and the eggs in a large bowl.' Here, the subject (you) performs the action on two objects (flour and eggs).
Transitive Pattern (A with B): 'The architect combined modern glass with traditional brick.' This emphasizes the addition of one element to another existing or primary element.
Intransitive Pattern (A and B combine): 'Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.' This describes a natural or automatic process where the subjects act together.

The chef decided to combine spicy chili with sweet chocolate to create a surprising dessert.

In more complex sentence structures, 'combine' can be used in the passive voice to focus on the result rather than the person doing the combining. For example, 'The two departments were combined last year to reduce overhead costs.' This is very common in business and formal reports. Additionally, the present participle 'combining' can act as a gerund or part of a continuous tense, such as 'By combining our efforts, we achieved the goal faster.' Notice how the word often introduces a method or a reason for success. It suggests a strategic choice to bring things together for a better outcome. Whether you are writing a simple instruction or a complex analysis, 'combine' provides a clear way to express the synthesis of parts.

When you combine hard work with a little bit of luck, you can achieve great things.

Consider the difference between 'combine' and 'add'. While 'add' implies putting one thing into another, 'combine' implies a more balanced relationship where both parts contribute to a new whole. In a sentence like 'Combine the two teams,' you are suggesting they are now equal parts of a new, larger team. In contrast, 'Add a new member to the team' suggests the team already existed and is simply growing. This nuance is important for precise communication. In professional settings, 'combine' is often used to describe mergers, integrations, and cross-functional projects. It conveys a sense of unity and shared purpose that is essential for teamwork and organizational growth.

The travel agency offers packages that combine airfare, hotel stay, and guided tours for one price.

We need to combine all the data from the different surveys into a single report.

In Instructions: 'Combine the chemicals slowly to avoid a dangerous reaction.' This uses the imperative mood for clear directions.
In Descriptions: 'The movie combines elements of horror and science fiction.' This describes the nature or genre of a creative work.

The athlete's training program combines weightlifting, running, and swimming.

The word combine is ubiquitous, appearing in a wide range of environments from the domestic to the highly technical. In the home, you'll most frequently encounter it in the kitchen. Recipes are perhaps the most common source of the word, where it serves as a standard instruction for mixing ingredients. Whether you're watching a cooking show on TV or reading a blog post about the perfect chocolate chip cookies, 'combine' is the go-to verb for bringing components together. It sounds more precise than 'mix' and more formal than 'put in.' Beyond the kitchen, you'll hear it in discussions about lifestyle and time management. People often talk about how they 'combine' their professional responsibilities with their personal interests, such as 'combining a business trip with a short vacation.'

In Media and Entertainment: Film critics and music reviewers often use 'combine' to describe the fusion of genres. You might hear a critic say a new album 'combines jazz influences with electronic beats,' or a movie 'combines high-stakes action with deep emotional themes.'
In Business and Finance: News reports about the economy frequently mention companies 'combining' through mergers. You'll hear phrases like 'the combined entity will have a market share of 40%.' It's a key term for describing corporate growth and restructuring.
In Science and Technology: In tech reviews, you'll hear how a new gadget 'combines the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet.' Scientists use it to describe chemical reactions or the integration of different research findings.

'If we combine our frequent flyer miles, we might have enough for a first-class upgrade,' suggested Mark during their vacation planning.

In educational settings, teachers use 'combine' across various subjects. In a math class, a teacher might instruct students to 'combine like terms' to simplify an algebraic expression. In a history class, the discussion might focus on how different cultures 'combined' to form a new civilization. In an art class, the focus might be on 'combining' primary colors to create secondary ones. The word is a fundamental part of the vocabulary of learning, as so much of education involves understanding how different pieces of information fit together. You'll also hear it in sports, where commentators talk about a team's 'combined score' or how a player 'combines speed with agility' to outperform their opponents.

The documentary explains how the city combines ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology.

Furthermore, in the legal and administrative world, 'combine' is used to describe the consolidation of cases or the merging of departments. If you're filling out government forms, you might see instructions on how to 'combine' different types of income for tax purposes. In the world of fashion, stylists talk about 'combining' different patterns or fabrics to create a 'look.' The word is so deeply embedded in how we describe the world that you'll likely hear it several times a day without even realizing it. It's a word of action, of creation, and of organization, making it one of the most useful verbs in your English repertoire.

'The new hybrid car combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine for maximum efficiency,' the salesperson explained.

The festival combines live music, local food, and interactive art installations.

In Daily News: 'The two protest groups decided to combine their marches to send a stronger message to the government.'
In Travel: 'Many tourists combine a trip to London with a visit to Paris via the Eurostar train.'

The scientist hopes to combine these two theories into a single, unified law of physics.

While combine is a relatively straightforward word, there are several common pitfalls that learners—and even native speakers—can fall into. The most frequent errors involve preposition usage, confusion with similar-sounding words, and subtle misapplications of its meaning. Understanding these mistakes will help you use the word with greater precision and confidence. One of the most common issues is using the wrong preposition. While 'combine with' is the standard, people sometimes mistakenly use 'combine to' when they should use 'combine with,' or vice versa. For example, you 'combine A with B,' but A and B 'combine to form C.' Getting these small words right is key to sounding natural.

Confusing 'Combine' with 'Mix': While they are synonyms, 'mix' often implies a more casual or less permanent union. You mix a drink, but you combine resources. Using 'mix' in a formal business context like 'We mixed our two companies' sounds unprofessional; 'combined' or 'merged' is much better.
Overusing 'Combine' for Simple Addition: Sometimes 'add' is a better choice. If you are just putting one more thing into a group, 'add' is more precise. 'Combine' suggests a more significant integration where the parts are being unified into a new whole.
The 'Combine Together' Redundancy: Since 'combine' already means to bring things together, saying 'combine together' is technically redundant. While common in casual speech, it's best avoided in formal writing. Just 'combine' is sufficient.

Incorrect: We need to combine these two ideas together for the project.
Correct: We need to combine these two ideas for the project.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'combine' and 'connect.' 'Connect' means to join two things while they remain distinct (like connecting two train cars), whereas 'combine' often implies they become one (like combining two bank accounts). If you use 'combine' when you mean 'connect,' you might confuse your listener about the final state of the objects. Furthermore, be careful with the word 'combination.' While it's the noun form of 'combine,' it's also used for things like 'a combination lock.' Don't let the different uses of the noun confuse your understanding of the verb's primary meaning of unification.

Incorrect: The recipe says to combine the milk to the flour.
Correct: The recipe says to combine the milk with the flour.

Lastly, pay attention to subject-verb agreement. Because 'combine' often involves multiple things, it's easy to get confused about whether the verb should be singular or plural. If the subject is 'The combination of these factors,' the verb should be singular ('is'), not plural ('are'), because the subject is 'the combination,' not 'the factors.' Keeping your eye on the true subject of the sentence will prevent this common grammatical slip-up. By being mindful of these nuances, you can ensure that your use of 'combine' is always accurate and professional.

Incorrect: The combination of the two colors create a beautiful purple.
Correct: The combination of the two colors creates a beautiful purple.

When you combine a high-fat diet with a lack of exercise, health problems can arise.

Confusion with 'Comprise': 'Comprise' means 'to consist of' or 'to be made up of.' You don't 'combine' a whole into parts; you 'combine' parts into a whole. 'The team is comprised of ten members' is correct; 'The team combines ten members' is usually not what you mean.
Misusing 'Combine' for 'Compare': They sound somewhat similar, but 'compare' is about looking for differences and similarities, while 'combine' is about joining things together. Don't let the 'com-' prefix lead you astray!

It is important to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in any field of study.

English is rich with synonyms for combine, each carrying its own unique shade of meaning and level of formality. Choosing the right alternative can make your writing more precise and engaging. While 'combine' is a great all-purpose word, sometimes a more specific term like 'merge,' 'unite,' or 'blend' is more appropriate. For example, in a business context, 'merge' is the standard term for two companies becoming one. In a culinary context, 'blend' suggests a very smooth, thorough mixing. Understanding these distinctions allows you to tailor your language to your specific needs and audience. Let's explore some of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'combine.'

Merge: This word is often used for two things flowing together to become one, like two rivers or two companies. It implies a seamless integration where the original boundaries disappear. 'The two lanes merge into one after the bridge.'
Unite: 'Unite' often has a more emotional or political connotation. It's about people or groups coming together for a common cause. 'The country united to face the crisis.' It suggests a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
Blend: 'Blend' is used when things are mixed so thoroughly that they become indistinguishable. It's common in cooking, art, and music. 'Blend the colors until there are no harsh lines.' It suggests a smooth, harmonious result.

Instead of just combining the ingredients, you need to whisk them vigorously to incorporate air into the mixture.

Other useful alternatives include 'integrate,' 'amalgamate,' and 'fuse.' 'Integrate' is often used in social or technical contexts, such as 'integrating new software into an existing system' or 'integrating different communities.' It implies making something a part of a larger whole. 'Amalgamate' is a more formal, almost scientific term for combining things, often used in business for large-scale mergers. 'Fuse' suggests a very strong, often permanent union, like 'fusing metal' or 'fusing two different musical styles into a new genre.' Each of these words offers a slightly different perspective on the act of bringing things together, allowing you to be as specific as possible in your descriptions.

The new policy aims to integrate environmental concerns into every aspect of the company's operations.

When choosing between these words, consider the 'tightness' of the union. 'Connect' is loose; 'combine' is medium; 'fuse' or 'blend' is tight. Also, consider the nature of the things being joined. People 'unite,' companies 'merge,' colors 'blend,' and chemicals 'react' or 'combine.' By paying attention to these subtle differences, you can elevate your English from functional to truly expressive. Don't be afraid to experiment with these synonyms to find the one that best captures the exact meaning you want to convey. The more you practice, the more natural your word choices will become.

The artist's work fuses traditional Japanese techniques with modern Western themes.

The two small shops decided to amalgamate to better compete with the large supermarket nearby.

Incorporate: This means to include something as part of a whole. 'We should incorporate your suggestions into the final plan.' It's about making something a part of something else that already exists.
Coalesce: A very formal word meaning to come together to form one mass or whole. 'The different factions began to coalesce around a single leader.' It often describes a gradual or natural process.

The chef's unique style blends classic French cooking with bold Mexican flavors.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'combine' originally referred specifically to joining things in pairs. Today, we use it for joining any number of things, but the 'bi' (meaning two) is still hidden in the middle of the word!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəmˈbaɪn/

US /kəmˈbaɪn/

The stress is on the second syllable: com-BINE.

Rhymes With

fine line mine nine shine sign vine wine

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (COM-bine) makes it sound like the noun (the farm machine).
Pronouncing the 'i' as a short 'i' (like 'bin') instead of a long 'i' (like 'fine').
Mumbling the first syllable too much so it sounds like 'combine' starts with a 'g'.
Forgetting the 'n' sound at the very end.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'campaign'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Commonly found in instructions and news articles.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'with' and 'into'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the stress is learned.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with the noun form.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mix join put together with

Learn Next

integrate merge synthesis unify consolidate

Advanced

amalgamate coalesce conjoin intermingle synchronize

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Transitive: 'I combine the colors.' Intransitive: 'The colors combine.'

Preposition 'With'

Always use 'with' when adding one thing to another: 'Combine A with B.'

Preposition 'Into'

Use 'into' to show the final result: 'Combine them into a single unit.'

Gerund as Subject

Combining these two ideas is difficult but rewarding.

Passive Voice

The two groups were combined by the teacher.

Examples by Level

Combine the red and blue paint.

Mélangez la peinture rouge et bleue.

Imperative mood for instructions.

I combine milk and cereal for breakfast.

Je mélange du lait et des céréales pour le petit-déjeuner.

Simple present tense.

Combine the two groups of students.

Réunissez les deux groupes d'étudiants.

Direct object 'two groups'.

She combines work and study.

Elle combine travail et études.

Third person singular 's'.

Can we combine our money?

Pouvons-nous mettre notre argent en commun ?

Modal verb 'can' for permission/possibility.

Combine the flour and water.

Mélangez la farine et l'eau.

Common recipe instruction.

They combine their toys to play.

Ils mettent leurs jouets ensemble pour jouer.

Simple present with plural subject.

The recipe says to combine everything.

La recette dit de tout mélanger.

Infinitive 'to combine' after 'says'.

You should combine the ingredients slowly.

Vous devriez mélanger les ingrédients lentement.

Modal 'should' for advice.

The phone combines a camera and a GPS.

Le téléphone combine un appareil photo et un GPS.

Describing features of an object.

We combined our efforts to clean the park.

Nous avons combiné nos efforts pour nettoyer le parc.

Past simple tense.

Combine the two files into one folder.

Regroupez les deux fichiers dans un seul dossier.

Preposition 'into' shows the result.

I combine my vacation with a business trip.

Je combine mes vacances avec un voyage d'affaires.

Preposition 'with' is very common here.

The artist combines different colors beautifully.

L'artiste combine magnifiquement différentes couleurs.

Adverb 'beautifully' modifies the verb.

Combine the salt and pepper in a small dish.

Mélangez le sel et le poivre dans un petit plat.

Specific location 'in a small dish'.

They decided to combine their two small shops.

Ils ont décidé de fusionner leurs deux petits magasins.

Infinitive phrase 'to combine'.

The new course combines theory and practice.

Le nouveau cours combine théorie et pratique.

Abstract objects 'theory' and 'practice'.

If we combine our resources, we can succeed.

Si nous mettons nos ressources en commun, nous pouvons réussir.

First conditional structure.

The movie combines action with a good story.

Le film combine l'action avec une bonne histoire.

Describing a creative work.

She successfully combines motherhood and a career.

Elle combine avec succès maternité et carrière.

Adverb 'successfully' emphasizes the achievement.

The two companies combined to form a giant.

Les deux entreprises se sont associées pour former un géant.

Intransitive use followed by 'to form'.

You can combine these two ideas in your essay.

Vous pouvez combiner ces deux idées dans votre essai.

Modal 'can' for suggestion.

The designer combined silk with wool for the dress.

Le designer a combiné la soie avec la laine pour la robe.

Past simple with specific materials.

We need to combine all the data into one report.

Nous devons regrouper toutes les données dans un seul rapport.

Modal 'need to' for necessity.

The architect combined modern and classic styles.

L'architecte a combiné les styles moderne et classique.

Professional context (architecture).

The two departments were combined last month.

Les deux départements ont été fusionnés le mois dernier.

Passive voice 'were combined'.

He combines a sharp mind with a kind heart.

Il allie un esprit vif à un cœur généreux.

Describing personal qualities.

The software combines several tools into one suite.

Le logiciel regroupe plusieurs outils en une seule suite.

Technical context (software).

They combined their strengths to win the match.

Ils ont uni leurs forces pour gagner le match.

Metaphorical use of 'strengths'.

The dish combines flavors from across Asia.

Le plat combine des saveurs de toute l'Asie.

Describing complex culinary fusion.

By combining these factors, we get a clear picture.

En combinant ces facteurs, nous obtenons une image claire.

Gerund 'combining' in a prepositional phrase.

The report combines findings from three studies.

Le rapport synthétise les résultats de trois études.

Academic/professional reporting.

The study combines qualitative and quantitative data.

L'étude combine des données qualitatives et quantitatives.

High-level academic terminology.

The CEO aims to combine innovation with stability.

Le PDG vise à allier innovation et stabilité.

Strategic business goals.

Her music combines elements of jazz and folk.

Sa musique mêle des éléments de jazz et de folk.

Sophisticated artistic description.

The law combines several older statutes into one.

La loi fusionne plusieurs anciens statuts en un seul.

Legal/administrative context.

We must combine our efforts to address climate change.

Nous devons unir nos efforts pour lutter contre le changement climatique.

Formal call to action.

The project combines urban design with ecology.

Le projet allie design urbain et écologie.

Interdisciplinary context.

He combines his academic work with activism.

Il concilie son travail académique avec le militantisme.

Complex personal/professional balance.

The new model combines efficiency and performance.

Le nouveau modèle allie efficacité et performance.

Marketing/engineering context.

The philosopher combines disparate ideas into a whole.

Le philosophe synthétise des idées disparates en un tout.

Highly abstract intellectual context.

The treaty combines the interests of multiple nations.

Le traité concilie les intérêts de plusieurs nations.

Diplomatic/geopolitical context.

The novel combines tragedy and farce with mastery.

Le roman mêle tragédie et farce avec maestria.

Literary criticism terminology.

The merger will combine the two largest retailers.

La fusion réunira les deux plus grands détaillants.

High-stakes corporate finance.

The scientist seeks to combine the four forces.

Le scientifique cherche à unifier les quatre forces.

Advanced scientific theory (Unified Field Theory).

Her style combines elegance with a certain grit.

Son style allie l'élégance à une certaine rudesse.

Nuanced aesthetic description.

The policy combines incentives with regulations.

La politique associe des incitations à des réglementations.

Complex governance and public policy.

The work combines disparate genres into a new form.

L'œuvre fusionne des genres disparates en une forme nouvelle.

Avant-garde artistic analysis.

Common Collocations

combine efforts

combine ingredients

combine forces

combine resources

combine features

combine styles

combine talents

combine data

combine business with pleasure

combine to form

Common Phrases

combine with

— To join one thing to another.

Combine the flour with the water.

combine and conquer

— A play on 'divide and conquer,' meaning to win by joining together.

We will combine and conquer our rivals.

combined total

— The sum of all parts.

The combined total was over a million dollars.

combined weight

— The total weight of several items.

The combined weight of the boxes is 50kg.

combined experience

— The total years of experience of a group.

They have 50 years of combined experience.

combine forces with

— To start working with someone else.

The police combined forces with the FBI.

combine into

— To merge multiple things into one new thing.

Combine the files into one folder.

combine to produce

— To work together to create a result.

These factors combine to produce a great result.

combine well

— To work or look good together.

These two colors combine well.

combine like terms

— A specific math instruction to simplify equations.

Don't forget to combine like terms.

Often Confused With

combine vs compare

Compare is looking for differences; combine is joining things together.

combine vs comprise

Comprise means 'to consist of'; combine means 'to join'.

combine vs connect

Connect joins things that stay separate; combine joins things to make one.

Idioms & Expressions

"combine business with pleasure"

— To do something for work and for fun at the same time.

I'm going to London for a meeting, but I'll stay for the weekend to combine business with pleasure.

neutral

"a potent combination"

— A very powerful mix of things.

His speed and strength are a potent combination on the field.

neutral

"in combination with"

— Used together with something else.

The drug is most effective when used in combination with exercise.

formal

"the best of both worlds"

— A situation where you combine the advantages of two different things.

Living in the suburbs and working in the city gives her the best of both worlds.

informal

"mix and match"

— To combine different things in a creative way.

You can mix and match different pieces of furniture.

informal

"join forces"

— To combine efforts with someone else.

The two charities joined forces to raise more money.

neutral

"put our heads together"

— To combine our thoughts to solve a problem.

If we put our heads together, I'm sure we can find a solution.

informal

"pool resources"

— To combine money or other assets.

The neighbors pooled resources to buy a shared lawnmower.

neutral

"strike a balance"

— To combine two different things in the right amounts.

It's hard to strike a balance between work and family.

neutral

"a winning combination"

— A mix of things that is very successful.

Good food and great service are a winning combination for any restaurant.

neutral

Easily Confused

combine vs Mix

Both involve putting things together.

Mix is more casual and can be temporary; combine is more formal and implies a new whole.

Mix the salad; combine the ingredients for the cake.

combine vs Merge

Both mean joining.

Merge is specifically for things flowing together or companies; combine is more general.

The rivers merge; the teams combine.

combine vs Unite

Both mean joining.

Unite has a stronger sense of people joining for a shared belief or cause.

The people united for peace; the chefs combined flavors.

combine vs Blend

Both mean mixing.

Blend implies a very smooth, seamless mixture where you can't see the parts.

Blend the smoothie; combine the data.

combine vs Add

Both involve more things.

Add means putting one thing into another; combine means joining things equally.

Add salt; combine the two groups.

Sentence Patterns

Combine A and B.

Combine the milk and sugar.

Combine A with B.

Combine the blue with the yellow.

A and B combine to form C.

Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.

By combining A, we get B.

By combining our money, we get a better price.

A is combined with B to [verb].

The data is combined with the survey to show trends.

The combination of A and B [verb].

The combination of these colors creates a nice effect.

Synthesizing A involves combining B and C.

Synthesizing the report involves combining the data and the interviews.

The disparate elements coalesce, combining into...

The disparate elements coalesce, combining into a unified theory.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken English.

Common Mistakes

I combined the milk to the flour. → I combined the milk with the flour.
The correct preposition to use with 'combine' is 'with,' not 'to.'
We need to combine these ideas together. → We need to combine these ideas.
'Together' is redundant because 'combine' already means to put things together.
The combination of factors create a problem. → The combination of factors creates a problem.
The subject is 'combination' (singular), so the verb must be 'creates.'
I want to compare these two groups into one. → I want to combine these two groups into one.
'Compare' means to look for differences; 'combine' means to join.
The two rivers combined with to form a lake. → The two rivers combined to form a lake.
When the subjects join on their own, you don't need 'with.'

Tips

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use 'together' with 'combine.' It's like saying 'join together.' Just 'combine' is enough and sounds more professional.

Check the Stress

Always stress the second syllable (com-BINE) when using it as a verb. This helps people understand you clearly.

Preposition Choice

Use 'with' when you are adding one thing to another, and 'and' when you are talking about two things equally.

Use for Synergy

Use 'combine' when the result of joining things is better or more powerful than the individual parts.

Recipe Standard

In recipes, 'combine' usually means to stir or mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Teamwork

Use 'combine efforts' or 'combine resources' to describe successful collaboration in a workplace.

Data Synthesis

In research, use 'combine' to describe how you are bringing together different sources of information.

Artistic Fusion

Use 'combine' to describe how different artistic styles or colors work together to create a mood.

Mnemonic

Remember 'COM' means 'together.' Any word starting with 'COM' usually involves things being together.

Into vs. With

Use 'into' when the things being combined change their form to become one new thing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'COM' (together) and 'BINE' (like a vine). Vines grow together and 'combine' to cover a wall.

Visual Association

Imagine two separate puzzle pieces clicking together to form one picture. That is the act of combining.

Word Web

mix join merge unite blend fuse integrate amalgamate

Challenge

Try to use 'combine' three times today: once about food, once about your schedule, and once about an idea.

Word Origin

From the Late Latin word 'combinare,' which means 'to unite two by two.' This comes from the prefix 'com-' (together) and 'bini' (two by two). It entered Middle English through Old French.

Original meaning: To couple or join things in pairs.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > English

Cultural Context

Generally a neutral and safe word to use in all contexts. No major sensitivities.

In the US, a 'combine' is also a very common farm machine used for harvesting grain.

The 'Combine' is the name of the antagonistic alien empire in the video game Half-Life 2. The 'NFL Scouting Combine' is a week-long showcase where college football players perform physical and mental tests. The 'Combine Harvester' song is a famous novelty hit in the UK by The Wurzels.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking

combine ingredients
combine until smooth
combine the dry parts
combine in a bowl

Business

combine resources
combine departments
combine forces
combine market share

Science

combine chemicals
combine data sets
combine to form water
combine variables

Lifestyle

combine work and play
combine travel with business
combine exercise and diet
combine hobbies

Art/Design

combine colors
combine styles
combine textures
combine elements

Conversation Starters

"How do you combine your work life with your personal hobbies?"

"What two flavors would you combine to create a new ice cream?"

"If you could combine two animals to make a pet, which ones would you choose?"

"How can we combine our skills to finish this project faster?"

"Do you think it's better to combine tasks or focus on one at a time?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to combine your efforts with someone else to achieve a goal.

Write about a product that combines two different features in a very useful way.

How do you combine different parts of your personality in different situations?

Reflect on a recipe you love and how the ingredients combine to create the flavor.

Discuss the challenges of combining a busy schedule with a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is common in casual speech, but in formal writing, it is considered redundant because 'combine' already means 'together.' Just use 'combine.'

'Combine' is more formal and often implies that the parts form a new, unified whole. 'Mix' is more casual and the parts might still be distinct, like a salad.

Yes, you can say 'The two teams combined' or 'They combined their efforts.' It sounds professional and collaborative.

The most common preposition is 'with' (Combine A with B). You can also use 'and' (Combine A and B) or 'into' (Combine them into one).

It is primarily a verb. However, as a noun (pronounced COM-bine), it refers to a large farm machine used for harvesting.

In math, you 'combine like terms,' which means adding or subtracting parts of an equation that have the same variable.

It means the final sum after you add all the different parts together.

Yes, it is very common: 'The two files were combined into one.' This is often used in business and technical writing.

Yes, it is considered a B1 (Intermediate) word, meaning it is essential for clear, everyday communication and basic professional tasks.

'Merge' or 'integrate' are very common synonyms in a business context.