components of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "components of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to parts or elements of a larger whole, often in a descriptive or explanatory context. Example: "The machine has several components of which the motor is the most crucial for its operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Distillation yields 1.3 to 5.5percentt essential oil, the main components of which are turmerone and ar-turmerone.

Britannica

All varieties contain essential oil, the principal components of which are thymol and carvacrol.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The war has many components, of which battle is only one element.

The Economist

The method that worked, they learned, was a DNA vaccine, some components of which were provided by Merck & Company, the pharmaceutical business.

The New York Times

These are the components of which unreliability contributes the most to the unreliability of the system.

Applied Soft Computing

There are many flame retardants in use, the components of which are often closely held trade secrets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nutmeg and mace contain 7 to 14 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are pinene, camphene, and dipentene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On average, a Greubel Forsey watch has 300 to 500 components, of which 70 percent are made in-house.

The New York Times

Celery seed contains about 2 to 3 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are d-limonene and selinene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cyst wall is composed of a varying number of layers, the components of which are dependent on the species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This diagram outlines the process by which the YODA Project reviews and processes data requests, the components of which are discussed in greater detail below.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "components of which", ensure that the noun preceding the phrase clearly defines the larger whole being discussed. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "components of which" when referring to abstract concepts without clearly defined parts. This phrase works best with tangible items or systems that have distinct components.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "components of which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause. It specifies certain elements or parts of a larger entity or system. Ludwig AI shows that is a correct way to express the relation between element and entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "components of which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to refer to parts or elements of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to provide specific details about particular aspects of a broader subject. Alternatives like "parts of which" or "elements of which" can be used to achieve a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. While generally appropriate for formal and neutral registers, ensure that the preceding noun clearly defines the larger whole for clarity. The phrase is a strong way to emphasize the connection between a complete product/concept and its parts, allowing for further clarification or expansion on individual parts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parts of which

Changes 'components' to 'parts', emphasizing the physical divisions of a whole.

elements of which

Replaces 'components' with 'elements', focusing on the fundamental aspects of a system or object.

constituents of which

Substitutes 'components' with 'constituents', highlighting the building blocks that make up something.

ingredients of which

Employs 'ingredients' instead of 'components', often used when referring to mixtures or recipes.

aspects of which

Utilizes 'aspects' in place of 'components', shifting the focus to different facets or characteristics.

features of which

Changes 'components' to 'features', emphasizing notable or distinct characteristics.

portions of which

Replaces 'components' with 'portions', referring to divisions or allotments of a whole.

sections of which

Substitutes 'components' with 'sections', highlighting divisions within a structure or text.

segments of which

Employs 'segments' instead of 'components', indicating distinct parts or sections of something.

units of which

Changes 'components' to 'units', focusing on standardized or measurable parts.

FAQs

How can I use "components of which" in a sentence?

Use "components of which" to specify certain parts of a larger whole. For example, "The engine has several components, of which the carburetor is the most crucial."

What are some alternatives to "components of which"?

You can use alternatives like "parts of which", "elements of which", or "constituents of which" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "parts of which" or "components of which"?

Both "parts of which" and "components of which" are correct and often interchangeable. "Components" may imply a more integral or functional role than "parts".

How does "components of which" compare to "that comprise it"?

"Components of which" emphasizes specific parts of a whole, while "that comprise it" focuses on the entirety being made up by those parts. For example, "The device has components of which the battery is essential" vs. "The device is made up of components that comprise it".