consist largely of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consist largely of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the main components or elements that make up something, indicating that a significant portion is made up of those elements. Example: "The committee's recommendations consist largely of strategies aimed at improving community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The changing, fragmented dramas consist largely of separation.

The New York Times - Arts

Henceforth, architectural practice would consist largely of manipulating abstract symbols.

The New York Times - Arts

These consist largely of tunnels, which can also be replaced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carolanna Parlato's paintings consist largely of smokey, sinuous forms.

The New York Times

Their battles consist largely of tit-for-tat atrocities.

The Economist

The films consist largely of metal hydroxides at both temperatures.

Electrochimica Acta

Asdeposited films consist largely of low-molecular-weight species.

Polymer

And notably, those workers consist largely of people who return year after year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It consists largely of a coastal lowland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The population consists largely of impoverished tribals.

The New York Times

Home entertainment consists largely of television.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific alternatives like "primarily composed of" or "mainly comprised of" when the described elements constitute the vast majority, rather than just a large part.

Common error

Avoid using "consist largely of" if the elements described only make up a small or moderate portion of the whole. Instead, opt for phrases like "partially includes" or "features some" to accurately reflect the proportion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consist largely of" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description of its primary components. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts. It indicates that a significant portion of the subject is made up of the elements that follow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

19%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consist largely of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the composition of something by highlighting its main components. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and academia. While it's suitable for most situations, more precise alternatives may be considered for nuanced communication. The analysis above indicates that the phrase is used to accurately present the nature of a substance/concept. Remember to use it when describing the majority components, rather than a minority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly composed of

Focuses on the primary components, suggesting a strong degree of composition.

primarily made up of

Emphasizes the principal elements that constitute something.

mostly comprised of

Highlights the major components that form the whole.

largely constitutes

Indicates that something forms a significant part of the whole, reversing the structure.

is predominantly

Emphasizes the most significant characteristic or element.

chiefly composed of

Stresses the main or most important elements of composition.

principally includes

Highlights the primary inclusions or components.

heavily features

Indicates a strong presence of specific elements.

broadly encompasses

Suggests a wide inclusion of certain elements.

substantially embodies

Implies that something significantly represents specific qualities or aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "consist largely of" in a sentence?

Use "consist largely of" to indicate that something is mainly composed of certain elements. For instance, "The diet consists largely of fruits and vegetables" shows that fruits and vegetables are the main components of the diet.

What are some alternatives to "consist largely of"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly composed of", "primarily made up of", or "mostly comprised of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "consist mostly of" instead of "consist largely of"?

Yes, "consist mostly of" is a valid alternative and carries a similar meaning. Both phrases indicate that something is mainly composed of certain elements, though "consist mostly of" might suggest a slightly higher proportion.

What's the difference between "consist largely of" and "consist partly of"?

"Consist largely of" indicates that something is mainly composed of certain elements, while "consist partly of" suggests that those elements are only a minor component. The key difference is the proportion or significance of the elements being described.