composition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "composition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the creation of something, such as a writing assignment, an artwork, or a song. For example, "I'm having trouble with my composition project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With plenty of tailored advice from Anthony, this highly interactive course will teach you everything from the art of creative composition, to the technicalities of shooting on manual.

The Guardian

"No single market should drive the growth and composition of a country's incoming postgraduate body," said Zainab Malik, director of research for British Council education intelligence.

The Guardian

Getting the board composition right is another challenge, panellists agreed.

The Guardian

It seems likely that the composition of at least some of the Black Riders poems overlapped with the writing of the novel.

The Guardian - Books

A book of Jane's early, pre-portrait work, The Unknown Bown (2007): reveals a technical virtuosity and an innate understanding of the principles of good composition.

The Guardian - Arts

I've carried a camera since I was a teenager and whether you're using it or not, it means you look at composition, think about what around you would work well in the frame.

The Guardian - Film

After months of wrangling over the composition, format and timing of the debates, the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 announced the final deal with the political parties on Saturday.

The Guardian

So while this year hasn't managed to live up to the last's festive treats – we've had a free-to-download Christmas EP from Olly Murs, a Mariah-lite warble from Ariana Grande and even the mooted Saturdays Christmas album has been reduced to just one track – we do now have a new, jingle bell-assisted composition from Bonnie McKee.

The Guardian - Music

Usually, the librettist produces the substantive ideas that inspire the composition, including the dramatic structure, characters and scenario of the opera.

The Guardian

Some composers use text simply as the catalyst for composition, but most take care to make text comprehensible.

The Guardian

The bodily composition of the horse, like most of the early equine depictions in the rock art, is heavily resonant of the shape of a kangaroo – evidence, perhaps, that the most common large mammal in Bininj experience initially sublimated their impressions of the foreign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the elements of a whole, use "composition" to refer to the proportion and arrangement of those elements. For example, "The painting's composition effectively uses light and shadow."

Common error

Avoid using the verb 'compose' when you need the noun 'composition'. 'Compose' refers to the act of creating, while "composition" refers to the final product or arrangement. For example, say 'The composition of the team is diverse,' not 'The compose of the team is diverse'.

Linguistic Context

The word "composition" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the way in which elements are combined to form a whole. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in describing the makeup of physical substances, artistic works, and political entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "composition" is a versatile noun with a broad range of applications, from describing the physical makeup of substances to the structure of artistic and political entities. As Ludwig AI states, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. It's particularly common in news and media, as well as in formal business and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use "composition" to refer to the arrangement and proportion of elements within a whole, and avoid confusing it with the verb 'compose'. Alternative phrases like "make up", "structure" and "arrangement" offer similar meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up

Focuses on the elements that constitute something.

makeup

Indicates the components that form a whole.

constitution

Emphasizes the fundamental principles and structure.

structure

Highlights the arrangement and organization of parts.

formation

Refers to the process of something being formed or created.

arrangement

Focuses on the way in which things are placed or organized.

layout

Describes the arrangement of elements in a visual or spatial context.

content

Highlights what something contains or consists of.

mix

Suggests a blend of different components.

blend

Implies a smooth combination of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "composition" in a sentence?

You can use "composition" to refer to the way in which something is made up of different parts, such as "The chemical composition of the soil affects plant growth" or to describe a work of art or music, as in "The musical composition was both innovative and moving".

What are some synonyms for "composition"?

Alternatives for "composition" include "make up", "structure", "constitution", or "arrangement" depending on the specific context.

Is "composition" formal or informal language?

"Composition" is generally considered neutral to formal. Its use is appropriate in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. You might choose a more informal word in casual conversation, but "composition" isn't out of place in most settings.

What is the difference between "composition" and "compilation"?

"Composition" refers to the way in which something is made up of different parts or elements, or the act of creating something. "Compilation", on the other hand, refers to the act of gathering and assembling things, such as data or songs, into a collection.