composed mainly of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composed mainly of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the primary components or elements that make up something. Example: "The salad is composed mainly of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most gallstones are composed mainly of cholesterol.

Harvard University

They are composed mainly of limestone and sedimentary rocks.

Britannica

Composed mainly of basaltic rock, the range is heavily eroded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Carbonate rock, any rock composed mainly of carbonate minerals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sandstone, composed mainly of quartz, is an important building stone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FOR weekend duffers, golf is often a running interior monologue composed mainly of vexing questions.

The New York Times - Tech

The Taliban was composed mainly of Pashtun tribesmen from southern Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Learning Leaders is composed mainly of parent volunteers who have taken many hours of training.

The New York Times

Most of my favorite movie books are composed mainly of interviews with directors.

The New Yorker

Libya's Christian population is composed mainly of foreigners working in the country.

The Washington Post

Spandex is the generic term for a highly elastic synthetic fibre composed mainly of segmented polyurethane.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "composed mainly of", ensure that the components you are listing are indeed the most significant or abundant elements. Be specific and clear about what those elements are to provide a precise description.

Common error

Avoid using "composed mainly of" if the listed elements only constitute a small portion of the whole. Instead, use phrases like "contains some" or "includes" to accurately reflect the actual composition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composed mainly of" functions as a descriptive prepositional phrase. It specifies the primary components or ingredients that constitute a particular substance, object, or entity. Ludwig AI shows various examples in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "composed mainly of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the primary components of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "primarily consisting of" and "mainly comprised of" exist, "composed mainly of" remains a clear and effective choice. It is important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that the listed components truly represent the dominant elements of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly comprised of

Similar to the original, but with a slight variation in verb choice.

mostly made up of

Indicates that the majority of the composition comes from the named elements.

chiefly composed of

Highlights the principal components that make up something.

consisting primarily of

Emphasizes the primary components while allowing for the presence of other elements.

predominantly consisting of

Stresses the prevalence of the specified elements in the composition.

made up largely of

Highlights the substantial portion of the specified components.

primarily constituted by

Focuses on the elements that predominantly form the composition.

principally made of

Emphasizes the main elements from which something is made.

largely formed from

Implies a process of formation with the specified components being the major contributors.

substantially composed of

Highlights the significant portion of the specified components in the composition.

FAQs

How can I use "composed mainly of" in a sentence?

Use "composed mainly of" to describe what something primarily consists of. For example: "The Earth's atmosphere is "composed mainly of" nitrogen and oxygen."

What's the difference between "composed mainly of" and "composed entirely of"?

"Composed mainly of" indicates that something consists primarily, but not exclusively, of the specified elements. "Composed entirely of", on the other hand, means that something consists only of those elements and nothing else.

Which is more appropriate, "composed mainly of" or "consisting mostly of"?

Both "composed mainly of" and "consisting mostly of" are acceptable and virtually interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What can I say instead of "composed mainly of"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily constituted by", "mainly comprised of", or "largely formed from" depending on the specific context.