but consists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but consists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is made up of or includes certain elements or components, often following a contrasting statement. Example: "The project is ambitious but consists of several manageable tasks that can be completed over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

but consists mostly of the author's rehashing and embellishing recent, familiar events.

The New York Times - Books

The section is cyclic but consists mainly of limestones and dolomitic mudstones with intercalated siltstones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His theory stated that matter is homogeneous but consists of an infinity of small indivisible particles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Procysbi has the same ingredient as Cystagon but consists of enteric-coated spheres for delayed release.

The New York Times

His "Portrait of Mao" (2006) series involves no layering or time compression, but consists of a sequence of still shots.

The New York Times - Arts

(92662) / $1.82 million This ZIP code belongs to the city of Newport Beach but consists of tiny manmade Balboa Island.

The New York Times

The light-rail system is easy to use for non-Chinese speakers, but consists of only one line.

The New York Times - Travel

When the lesion reaches the subchondral bone, spontaneous healing may be observed, but consists of fibrocartilaginous tissue.

Injury

There is much to suggest that conscious perception is not continuous but consists of discrete moments or "frames" which are then blended to give an appearance of continuity.

The New Yorker

Occasionally the exonarthex does not form an integral part of the main body of the church but consists of a single-storied structure set against it.

Britannica

The area is called Sūq al-Milh (Salt Market) but consists of many smaller souks selling a wide variety of goods.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but consists" to clearly contrast what something is not with what it is composed of, enhancing clarity and providing essential details about its structure or nature.

Common error

Avoid using "but consists" when you only want to mention a few elements of something. "But consists" implies a complete composition, not just partial inclusion. If you are giving examples of some elements use "but includes" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but consists" functions as a contrastive conjunction followed by a verb that defines composition. As Ludwig AI explains, it corrects or clarifies a preceding statement by specifying the elements or components that constitute something. This is seen across many examples, showcasing its role in providing detailed information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but consists" is a versatile phrase used to clarify or specify the composition of something, often contrasting with a previous statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. With a neutral register, it finds frequent use in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're indicating the complete composition and not just partial inclusion, as the phrase implies a comprehensive listing of elements. Alternatives such as "but is comprised of" or "but includes" can be used for slight variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but is comprised of

Replaces "consists" with "is comprised of", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but is made up of

Uses a more informal and direct phrasing to indicate composition.

but includes

Focuses on the inclusion of certain elements rather than the complete composition.

but features

Highlights specific characteristics or components that are present.

but incorporates

Emphasizes the integration of different parts into a whole.

but embodies

Suggests that something is a tangible or visible form of an abstract quality.

but is characterized by

Focuses on the defining qualities or traits of something.

but is essentially

Highlights the fundamental nature or core components.

but is primarily

Indicates the main or most important components.

yet it encompasses

Combines contrast with a broad inclusion of elements.

FAQs

How do I use "but consists" in a sentence?

Use "but consists" to contrast a previous statement by explaining what something is actually made of. For example, "The dish isn't complex, but consists of fresh ingredients".

What can I say instead of "but consists"?

You can use alternatives like "but is comprised of", "but is made up of", or "but includes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "but consists of" or "but is consisted of"?

"But consists of" is correct. "But is consisted of" is passive and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "but consists of" and "but includes"?

"But consists of" implies a complete composition, while "but includes" suggests that only some elements are being mentioned and not a full list.