How does 在 function in 男女结合在一起?

Question

In 男女结合在一起, how does the 在 work grammatically?

I'm sure it does not mean "~ing", which should be before the 结婚 (and the meaning gets awkward then).

The sentence should mean:

A man and woman got married together.

However, I don't understand for what purpose the 在 exists here.

If I omit the 在, what difference does it make?

Answer 1

This is the best explanation I think. In this case, prep. 在 can't be omitted.

Updates:

In this case, you have to differentiate with the meaning, instead of grammar.

In Chinese, 一起 can mean

1. in the same place

2. at the same time or in company.

3. in all; altogether;

When it refers to in the same place, it has to be preceded by 在. While it refers to at the same time or in company, it will be used alone without 在. For example, 我们一起去的。When it refers to in all or altogether, it's just 一起, like 一共. For example, 这些商品一起多少钱？== 这些商品一共多少钱？

Answer 2

'结合'(to join) is a verb and '在' is an preposition for 'into/ at/ in/ on' that indicates the 'location' the verb applies to. and the location is '一起'

A and B join in at 一起(the same place)

'结合'= join

'结合在一起' = join into one

The point is: '一起' here functions as a noun (one) instead of an adverb

Another example:

把落葉 take the fallen leaves

堆 pile (them)

在 onto

一起 one (heap)

• We are not piling fallen leaves 'together'

• 落葉 were piled into one (heap)

Answer 3

In fact, it is NOT a proper mandarin. Traditionally, Chinese never use it.

It is a bad translation perhaps by Hongkee, i.e. "May God join these man and woman together" in their soap opera.

Due to the Hongkee soap opera popularity, the bad grammar spread. It continue to pollute the language and you will find in some pop song, and even China inherit this.