composed of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composed of a" is correct and usable in written English.
You would generally use it in a situation where you are emphasizing that something consists of a single element. For example, you could say, "The solution was composed of a single ingredient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

C) Problems composed of A) and B).  .

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Problems composed of A) and B).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

They may be composed of a strong, diamond-like material.

The Guardian

The surrounding area is composed of a vast alluvial plain.

Britannica

Each data set is composed of a single satellite image.

Nature

Each image is composed of a set of voxels.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Each Chinese character is composed of a number of strokes.

The Economist

Hemoglobin is composed of a porphyrin compound (heme) and globin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sailboard is composed of a board and a rig.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second layer is composed of a semiconducting polymer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The crowd, composed of A-list cheerleaders, sat in stunned silence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "composed of a" when you want to emphasize that a particular item or concept consists of a single, specific element. It's useful for clarity and precision in descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "composed of a" when describing something with multiple, diverse elements. In such cases, alternatives like "comprising", "including", or "made up of" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composed of a" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the constitution or makeup of something, emphasizing that it consists of a single, particular element. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "composed of a" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something's makeup, emphasizing that it consists of a specific, single element. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where you want to highlight a singular constituent. It appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When describing something made of multiple components, it's better to look at alternatives like "consisting of" or "made up of". Therefore, use "composed of a" for precision, especially when singling out a key component.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consisting of a

Replaces "composed" with "consisting", maintaining the same core meaning but with a slightly different verb choice.

Made up of a

Substitutes "composed" with "made up", offering a more informal alternative with equivalent meaning.

Formed of a

Uses "formed" instead of "composed", suggesting a process of creation or assembly.

Comprising a

Replaces "composed" with "comprising", implying that something includes or encompasses the stated element.

Including a

Shifts the focus to highlighting the inclusion of a specific element, rather than describing the overall composition.

Containing a

Emphasizes the presence of a particular element within something.

Built from a

Suggests that something has been constructed or assembled using a particular component.

Constructed with a

Highlights the act of building with a specific material or element, rather than the resulting composition.

Characterized by a

Focuses on a defining feature rather than the entirety of its constitution.

Features a

Highlights a prominent element, differing from describing the comprehensive parts of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "composed of a" to indicate that something consists of a specific element. For example, "The team is composed of a dedicated leader".

What are some alternatives to "composed of a"?

Some alternatives include "consisting of a", "made up of a", or "comprising a", depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Is it always necessary to use "composed of a" instead of just "composed of"?

No, it's not always necessary. "Composed of" is generally used when referring to multiple components, while "composed of a" emphasizes a single element. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "composed of a" and "includes a"?

"Composed of a" implies that something entirely consists of a single element, while "includes a" suggests that the element is just one part of a larger whole. For example, a solution might be "composed of a" single ingredient, whereas a recipe "includes a" specific spice.