be composed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be composed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being calm, collected, or made up of various elements. Example: "In times of stress, it is important to be composed and think clearly before making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He showed me how to be composed.

The New York Times - Sports

They may be composed of a strong, diamond-like material.

The Guardian

Her Government turns out to be composed with much skill.

The New Yorker

Be composed, think before you answer and employ structure.

The Guardian

He thought that it should be composed of conscripts.

The New Yorker

The entire list could be composed of riesling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

War tales continued to be composed throughout the medieval period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sijo continued to be composed by scholar-bureaucrats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Caesar salad seemed to be composed mostly of white lettuce and croutons.

The New York Times - Travel

Each canton would be composed of councils overseen by a general assembly.

The New Yorker

I'm waiting for the first original novel to be composed solely with emoticons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the components of something, ensure the subject and verb agree in number (e.g., "The team is composed of five members" or "The teams are composed of players from different countries").

Common error

Avoid using "comprised of", as "comprise" means to include or contain, so the correct phrasing is "composed of" or simply "comprises".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be composed" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It describes the constitution or components of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be composed" is a versatile phrase used to describe the constitution of something or a state of calmness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Remember to use "composed of" rather than "comprised of" and ensure subject-verb agreement. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate "be composed" into your writing for both descriptive accuracy and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist of

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct, active construction.

comprise

Offers a more concise and formal alternative to "be composed of".

be made up of

Provides a more informal and descriptive way to express composition.

be constituted by

Uses a more formal and structured way to indicate composition or formation.

stay calm

Shifts the focus to maintaining a state of composure rather than the act of composing oneself.

remain collected

Emphasizes the state of being in control and composed, particularly in stressful situations.

keep your cool

Presents a more colloquial and idiomatic way of saying to remain composed.

arrange

Focuses on the act of organizing or putting elements in order, similar to composing an image or piece of music.

form

Emphasizes the process of creating or shaping something by bringing together different elements.

be structured

Highlights the arrangement and organization of elements, particularly in a systematic manner.

FAQs

How can I use "be composed" in a sentence?

You can use "be composed" to describe what something consists of (e.g., "The committee will be composed of members from various departments") or to describe someone maintaining a calm demeanor (e.g., "It's important to be composed during a crisis").

What are some alternatives to "be composed"?

Alternatives include "consist of", "comprise", "be made up of", or "be constituted by" when describing the elements of something. To describe someone's demeanor, consider "stay calm" or "remain collected".

Which is correct, "composed of" or "comprised of"?

"Composed of" is the generally preferred and grammatically sound choice. Although "comprised of" is sometimes used, it's often considered less correct. Using only "comprises" (e.g., "The team comprises five members") is a good alternative.

What's the difference between "be composed of" and "comprise"?

"Be composed of" is a passive construction indicating what elements something contains. "Comprise" means to include or contain; therefore, "comprise" is used actively (e.g., "The report comprises three sections"). They both convey the idea of what something is made of but are used differently.