composed of

USAGE SUMMARY

"composed of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use "composed of" when you are trying to describe something that is made up of separate parts. For example, "She made a chair composed of recycled wood from old pallets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Countries are composed of people.

The New York Times

It is composed of debt.

The New York Times

Both are composed of carbon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What are they composed of?

The New York Times

The innermost layer is composed of silicon.

The Economist

Shield volcanoes are usually composed of basalt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It seems composed of random pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

3. Churches composed of believers only.

Encyclopedia Britannica

University education is composed of three levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The calyx is composed of fused sepals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The island is mainly composed of marble.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the components of a complex system or structure, use "composed of" to clearly indicate that the listed elements form the entirety of the subject.

Common error

While both phrases are used to describe what something is made of, some usage guides recommend reserving "comprise" to mean 'to include' or 'to contain,' and using "composed of" when the listed elements constitute the whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composed of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates the constituent elements or components that make up the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly and correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "composed of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the constituent elements of something. As Ludwig AI validates, it is a correct and useful part of a sentence in written English. Its formality leans towards neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although it is often preferred in academic and professional writing. The examples highlight its use in describing everything from political formations to chemical compounds. Remember that while "comprised of" is sometimes used interchangeably, "composed of" remains a clear and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made up of

Replaces "composed of" with a more informal and common expression.

consisting of

Offers a slightly more formal alternative to "composed of".

comprising

Like comprised of, but more acceptable as a variant of "composed of".

comprised of

Similar in meaning, but "comprised of" can sometimes be considered less preferable to "composed of" or "consisting of" by some usage guides.

constituted by

A more formal and passive way of expressing the same idea.

formed from

Focuses on the process of formation or creation from certain elements.

composes

Uses the active voice to describe what something is made of, shifting the emphasis.

includes

Indicates that something contains certain elements, but may not be limited to just those.

containing

Highlights the presence of certain components within something.

built from

Emphasizes the construction or assembly aspect of the components.

FAQs

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

Use "composed of" to describe what something is made of. For example, "The team is "composed of" experienced players."

What's the difference between "composed of" and "made up of"?

While both phrases are similar, "made up of" is generally considered more informal. "Composed of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice.

What can I say instead of "composed of"?

You can use alternatives like "consisting of", "made up of", or "comprising" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "comprised of" instead of "composed of"?

While "comprised of" is commonly used, some usage guides prefer "composed of" because "comprise" technically means 'to include' or 'to contain,' not 'to be made up of'. However, "composed of" is always grammatically correct and clearer.