composed out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composed out of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the parts that make up a whole. For example, "The symphony was composed out of three distinct movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was written for 16 player pianos, xylophones, percussion and airplane propellers; the composer wrote that it was "the first piece of music that has been composed out of and for machines, on earth".

The New York Times

Subsequent, glued laminated timber beams are virtually composed out of the simulated timber boards.

Engineering Structures

We further demonstrated that the inorganic part of the alveolar plates is composed out of amorphous calcium carbonate.

Journal of Structural Biology

He did it once in an extraordinary short film, "La Jetée," which he made in 1962, a science-fiction story composed out of still photographs.

The New York Times

The artificial fruit is composed out of a thin plastic shell, which mimics the exterior size, shape, surface texture and color of the fruit of interest.

Journal of Food Engineering

This shell is filled with a mixture that has similar thermal properties as real fruit as it is basically composed out of the same components.

Journal of Food Engineering

Dettman's early programs listen and respond; MARY3 is composed out of all the stories that Ruth Dettman has uploaded into it – from Puritan Mary through Turing to the Dettmans' marital breakdown.

The Guardian - Books

Cusk has tuned in to our curiosity about the lives of others, and composed out of that curiosity something capacious and generous, making room for all the contradictory stories clamouring for space on her page.

The Guardian - Books

"Imagine a city composed out of quips," we may be enjoined; or a city in which everyone flies around in aeroplanes; or an unmappable city; or a City of Silence.

The Guardian - Books

Like every good atom, these poems are composed out of empty space and points of light – the dazzle of the poet's vision, the space for the reader to reimagine matter, the matter, what matters, what is the matter?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Their earliest, artistically composed out-of-doors photographs soon attracted attention".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "composed out of" to emphasize the individual components that make up a larger whole, especially when the components are distinct and easily identifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "composed out of" when you want to describe the general nature or characteristics of something rather than its specific components. For instance, don't say "The painting was composed out of sadness"; instead, say "The painting reflected sadness."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composed out of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating the constituent parts or elements that form the whole. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "composed out of" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the elements that constitute a whole. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and widely employed in various contexts, ranging from scientific and academic writing to news media and general discourse. While alternatives like "made up of" or "consisting of" exist, "composed out of" provides a clear and effective way to detail the composition of both physical objects and abstract concepts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, ensuring clarity and precision in conveying the constituent parts of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Made up of

Focuses on the components that constitute something.

Consisting of

Similar to "made up of", but emphasizes the elements included.

Formed from

Highlights the process of creation or shaping.

Constructed from

Emphasizes the building or assembly aspect.

Comprised of

Formal alternative indicating inclusion of elements.

Built from

Focuses on the act of building or creating something from components.

Assembled from

Highlights the joining together of different parts.

Composed with

Emphasizes the specific materials used.

Synthesized from

Suggests a more complex and integrated formation process.

Fabricated from

Highlights the process of manufacturing or creating something, often implying artificiality.

FAQs

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

Use "composed out of" to indicate the elements or parts that constitute a whole. For example, "The team was composed out of members from different departments", or "The song is composed out of various musical influences".

What are some alternatives to saying "composed out of"?

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

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

Yes, "comprised of" is a valid alternative, but it's often used more formally. "Composed out of" is generally more common in everyday language.

What is the difference between saying something is "composed out of" elements versus "containing" them?

When something is "composed out of" elements, those elements are essential and integral to its structure or nature. "Containing" elements simply means they are present, but not necessarily fundamental to its composition. For example, a cake is composed out of flour, sugar, and eggs, while a room might contain furniture.