but constitutes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but constitutes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not only a part of a larger whole but also serves as a defining element or essential component. Example: "The new policy is not just a suggestion but constitutes a fundamental change in our approach to employee management."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

His contribution to world affairs is too often overlooked, but constitutes a big part of his character.

The Guardian

The city of Aberdeen is part of the historic county of Aberdeenshire but constitutes an independent council area that forms an enclave within the council area of Aberdeenshire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this particular letter, the reference to "heirs male" is not the king's, but constitutes reported speech: the words were those voiced by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, in a separate letter to Cromwell from which Henry was quoting.

The Economist

True to its title, The World Turned Upside Down is an audacious attempt to argue that more or less everything the liberal left holds dear is not only an inversion of the truth, but constitutes a suicidal undermining of western civilisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In certain areas, such as environmental law and economic law, a range of recommendations, guidelines, codes of practice, and standards may produce what is termed "soft law"—that is, an instrument that has no strict legal value but constitutes an important statement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

but constitutes a smaller fraction of the total sediment mass.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Facebook and Google are not only carrying us, but constituting us.

The Guardian - Tech

Blacks commit 51.5percentt of all murders nationally but constitute about 42percentt of death row inmates, the study found.

The New York Times

Alaska Natives are 15 percent of that state's population, but constitute 61 percent of its victims of sexual assault.

The New York Times

MC simulations, not only relevant for simulating models of interest, but constitute a valuable tool for approaching statistics [27].

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Young minorities make up 23% of total population ages 10-17, but constitute 52% of incarcerated youth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but constitutes", ensure that the clause following 'but' presents a genuine contrast to the preceding statement. This emphasizes that the subject not only differs but also plays a fundamental role.

Common error

Avoid using "but constitutes" when a simple 'and' or 'also' would suffice. "But constitutes" implies a contrast and a defining role, not just an additional characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but constitutes" functions as a contrastive conjunction, linking two clauses where the second clause not only contrasts with the first but also asserts that it is a fundamental or defining element. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but constitutes" is a useful construction for indicating a contrast while simultaneously emphasizing that the second part of the sentence forms a crucial element of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. While alternatives like "yet comprises" or "though represents" exist, "but constitutes" is particularly effective when highlighting not just difference, but also the essential nature of the contrasting element. Be mindful to avoid its misuse as a simple additive, and instead leverage its strength to convey both contrast and fundamental importance. With a strong expert rating and presence in authoritative sources, "but constitutes" remains a valuable tool for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet comprises

Replaces 'constitutes' with 'comprises', focusing on the components of something while still indicating a contrast.

nevertheless comprises

Similar to 'yet comprises' but with a stronger emphasis on the contrast.

though it comprises

A slight variation of 'yet comprises', maintaining the contrast and compositional aspect.

however embodies

Substitutes 'constitutes' with 'embodies', highlighting the representation of something abstract.

though represents

Replaces 'constitutes' with 'represents', shifting the focus to symbolic representation rather than inherent composition.

yet it is defined by

Emphasizes that something is defined or characterized by what follows the phrase.

whilst forming

Substitutes 'constitutes' with 'forming', emphasizing the action of creating or establishing something.

even so encompasses

Replaces 'constitutes' with 'encompasses', focusing on the scope or range of something.

while accounting for

Replaces 'constitutes' with 'accounting for', focusing on the quantitative contribution.

but it is composed of

Breaks down the phrase to highlight the components, changing the sentence structure.

FAQs

How can I use "but constitutes" in a sentence?

Use "but constitutes" to show a contrast while also indicating that the second part is an essential component of the subject. For instance, "The agreement is not just a suggestion, but constitutes a fundamental change."

What's the difference between "but constitutes" and "but represents"?

"But constitutes" implies that something is a defining part of something else. "But represents", like in this example of "though represents", suggests a symbolic or indicative relationship, not necessarily a compositional one.

What are some alternatives to "but constitutes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "yet comprises", "however embodies", or "though represents".

Is it formal to use the phrase "but constitutes"?

The phrase "but constitutes" is suitable for formal and academic writing. It effectively conveys contrast and importance, making it appropriate for professional contexts.