a compound of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compound of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a combination or mixture of two or more elements, substances, ideas, or individuals. For example, "This recipe requires a compound of eggs, milk, and sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a compound of sodium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mahatma Gandhi becomes "a compound of oriental mystic and occidental crank, humble sadhu and astute advocate".

The Guardian - Books

The word nostalgia is a compound of two Greek words: nóstos (homecoming) and álgos (ache).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gachacha's shack is in the corner of a compound of 15 other shacks.

The Guardian

Factum Arte occupies a compound of skylighted, paint-splattered warehouses in the eastern part of Madrid.

The New Yorker

A compound of middle-class virtues, she was thoroughly ashamed of this thought.

The New Yorker

It is a compound of something else: French-Mediterranean and northern Italian, wonderfully reliable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The décor is a compound of Peter Max, Vincent van Gogh and Aldo Cipolat.

The New York Times

Miles away from here, in a compound of stucco buildings, he expressed anger and impatience.

The New York Times

The home he built, Blue Harbour, is a compound of seaside bungalows overlooking Port Maria's bay.

The New York Times - Travel

Susan's shack is in the corner of a compound of 15 other shacks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a compound of" to precisely describe a combination of distinct elements. For example, instead of saying "The flavor is complex", specify "The flavor is a compound of sweet, sour, and spicy notes."

Common error

Avoid using "a compound of" when a simpler description is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The sauce is a compound of tomatoes and herbs", consider "The sauce contains tomatoes and herbs" if the combination isn't particularly noteworthy or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compound of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective to describe a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, showcasing its versatility in depicting the composition of elements, ideas, or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compound of" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to articulate the composition of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent across various domains, notably news, science, and encyclopedic resources. Its function is primarily descriptive, aiming to specify the elements that constitute a subject, be it tangible or abstract. While alternatives like ""composed of"" or ""comprised of"" exist, "a compound of" maintains a distinct utility in clearly outlining the constituent parts of a whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composed of

Focuses on the elements that make up the whole, emphasizing the act of forming something.

comprised of

Highlights the inclusion of specific elements within a larger entity.

consisting of

Emphasizes the components that constitute a particular thing or group.

made up of

Offers a more informal way to describe the components of something.

a blend of

Implies a mixture of different qualities or characteristics.

an amalgamation of

Suggests a merging or combining of distinct elements into a unified whole.

a synthesis of

Emphasizes the creation of something new by combining different ideas or elements.

a mixture of

Indicates a combination of different substances or elements, often without a specific structure.

a combination of

Stresses the joining of two or more things to create a unified entity.

an assortment of

Implies a collection of various items or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a compound of" in a sentence?

You can use "a compound of" to describe something that is made up of multiple components or elements. For example, "The solution is "a compound of" hydrogen and oxygen."

What phrases are similar to "a compound of"?

Similar phrases include "composed of", "comprised of", or "consisting of". They all suggest that something is formed from multiple parts.

Is it better to say "composed of" or "a compound of"?

Both phrases are generally correct, but ""composed of"" is often preferred in more formal contexts, while ""a compound of"" can be used in both formal and informal situations, especially when referring to chemical or conceptual mixtures.

What is the difference between "a mixture of" and "a compound of"?

"a mixture of" generally refers to elements that are combined physically but not chemically bonded, whereas ""a compound of"" can also imply a chemical combination or a complex combination of ideas or qualities.