def __combine(a, b):
    """
    Helper function to combine lists or a list and an object.
    """
    output = []
    if isinstance(a, list) and isinstance(b, list):
        output = a + b
    elif isinstance(a, list):
        output = a
        output.append(b)
    elif isinstance(b, list):
        output = b
        output.append(a)
    return output
