composition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composition of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the makeup or structure of something, such as a piece of music, art, or a written work. Example: "The composition of the symphony showcases a blend of classical and modern elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One is the composition of the lava.

The Economist

But the composition of the electorate changed.

The New York Times

Consider the composition of immigrant families.

The New York Times

Measures the composition of almost any sample".

The New York Times - Magazine

Composition of the alliances varies widely.

The Guardian

A word about the composition of the custard.

The New York Times - Food

It denied lying about the composition of the slops.

The Guardian

It obliterated lives and upset the entire composition of societies.

The Guardian

The UK government is considering the composition of April's budget.

The Guardian

The library's exterior is an angular composition of folded planes.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's one of the curious questions of composition of verse.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the makeup of something complex, be specific about the individual components and their proportions within the overall "composition of" the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "composition of" in situations where a more precise term, such as "structure", "content", or "makeup", would be more appropriate to the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composition of" functions primarily as a noun modifier, introducing information about the constituents or elements that comprise a particular entity. It describes the makeup or arrangement of these elements. Ludwig confirms this broad applicability through numerous examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "composition of" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing the makeup or arrangement of elements within a subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to choose more specific terms if the context requires. Alternatives like "makeup of", "structure of", and "content of" may be more appropriate in certain situations. The phrase's robust presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and utility in academic, professional, and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makeup of

This alternative directly replaces "composition" with "makeup", implying the elements that constitute something.

structure of

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of components, rather than the specific ingredients.

content of

Highlights what something contains, rather than the overall arrangement.

arrangement of

Emphasizes how the parts are organized or positioned.

constitution of

Suggests the fundamental principles or laws determining the nature of something.

elements of

Focuses on the specific parts or components that make up a whole.

organization of

Highlights the systematic arrangement and interrelation of parts.

components of

Refers to the individual parts that combine to form a larger whole.

ingredients of

Used more commonly for recipes or mixtures, emphasizing the specific elements.

blend of

Implies a mixture or combination of different elements.

FAQs

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

The phrase "composition of" is used to describe the elements or parts that make up something. For instance, "The "composition of" the soil affects plant growth" or "Scientists analyzed the "composition of" the rock sample".

What are some alternatives to "composition of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "makeup of", "structure of", or "content of" as substitutes for "composition of".

Is it better to use "composition of" or "content of" when describing a book?

While both can be used, "content of" typically refers to the topics and information included in the book, whereas "composition of" might be used to describe the writing style and structure of the book.

What's the difference between "composition of" and "formation of"?

"Composition of" refers to the elements that constitute something, while "formation of" refers to the process by which something is created or formed. They are not interchangeable.