are composed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are composed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the elements or parts that make up a whole, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The committee members are composed of experts from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Countries are composed of people.

The New York Times

Both are composed of carbon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All its mess and aggression are composed.

The New York Times - Arts

Several of Wosene's works are composed of several panels.

The New York Times

In the college league, matches are composed of five rounds.

The New York Times - Sports

The entries are composed with a knowing wit.

The New Yorker

The best appetizers are composed with elegance and precision.

The New York Times

Setbacks are composed in an assymmetrical, crystalline silhouette.

The New York Times - Arts

Though they read chronologically forward, they are composed essentially backward.

The New Yorker

Tells about other "News" headlines and how they are composed.

The New Yorker

They are composed mainly of limestone and sedimentary rocks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are composed" when you want to emphasize the elements that constitute a whole, especially in formal writing and scientific contexts. For example, instead of saying "The team is made up of members from different departments", you can say "The team are composed of members from different departments" to sound more professional.

Common error

Avoid using "comprising of" as it is redundant. "Comprising" already means "including" or "being composed of". For example, say "The committee is composed of experts" or "The committee comprises experts", but not "The committee is comprising of experts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are composed" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a description of its constituent parts. Ludwig examples show it describing the makeup of various entities, from countries to materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are composed" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the elements or parts that constitute a whole. As Ludwig AI affirms, its usage is correct and frequent across various domains. Predominantly found in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases such as "are made up of" or "consist of", but avoid the redundant "comprising of". Mastering "are composed" enhances precision in writing, particularly in contexts requiring detailed explanations of components and structures. Ensure you replace "are composed" with other options if the text requires informality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are made up of

Emphasizes the constituent elements forming something.

consist of

Highlights the components that constitute a whole.

comprise

Focuses on the inclusion of elements within a larger structure.

are constituted of

Stresses the act of forming or establishing something from elements.

are formed from

Indicates the process by which something is shaped or created.

are constructed from

Highlights the building or assembly of something from various parts.

are created from

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence using specific materials.

are built upon

Emphasizes the foundation or base from which something is developed.

are derived from

Indicates the origin or source from which something is obtained or developed.

are developed from

Highlights the progressive evolution or growth of something from initial elements.

FAQs

How do I use "are composed" in a sentence?

"Are composed" is used to describe what something consists of. For example, "The Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen and oxygen."

What's a more informal way to say "are composed"?

For a less formal alternative, you could say "are made up of" or "consist of".

Is it correct to say "comprising of" instead of "are composed of"?

No, "comprising of" is generally considered incorrect. "Comprising" already means "consisting of" or "being composed of", so the "of" is redundant. You can say "The group comprises five members" or "The group is composed of five members", but not "The group is comprising of five members".

What's the difference between "are composed of" and "constitute"?

"Are composed of" emphasizes the elements that make up a whole, while "constitute" focuses on how those elements form the whole. For example, "The team members are composed of individuals with diverse skill sets" highlights the members. Conversely, "These diverse skill sets constitute a strong team" emphasizes the resulting team.