consists in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consists in" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "to be made up of" or "to involve" and is usually followed by a noun phrase. For example, "The success of this project consists in good communication between the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It consists in part of the arts.

The New York Times - Arts

Love's work consists in conquering that fright.

The Guardian

Its running presence, however, consists in a trio of outbursts.

The New Yorker

China consists, in effect, of several economies with different wage levels.

The Economist

His mother had taught him that "happiness in life consists in fulfilment of duties and not of desires".

The Economist

Even Mr Tai speaks of civil disobedience as a "nuclear weapon" whose power consists in the threat of its use.

The Economist

"The happiness we derive from being Christian", Mr Kim wrote in prison, "consists in loving, not hating, our enemies".

The Economist

"Practical politics," said Henry Adams, "consists in ignoring facts".

The New York Times

specifies what truth consists in.

SEP

So, truth always consists in correspondence.

SEP

Here is what it consists in.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consists in" to define the essential components or nature of something. It's most effective when you want to highlight the core elements that constitute a particular concept or entity.

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions after "consists" besides "in" when you intend to convey the meaning of composition or essence. Using "of" changes the meaning to possession or origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consists in" functions as a linking verb that defines or specifies the essence or nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates composition or involvement. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from defining happiness to specifying the nature of reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consists in" is a versatile tool for defining and clarifying the essential nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly used in scientific and news contexts, its presence is noted across different sources. The phrase functions as a linking verb and serves to define or explain, clarifying the core of a concept. While it's appropriate to use this phrase in formal context, ensure the correct preposition usage by avoiding constructs like "consists of" when trying to define the essence of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is composed of

Focuses on the components that make up something.

is made up of

Similar to "is composed of", highlighting the constituent parts.

involves

Emphasizes the elements or actions included within something.

includes

Highlights specific elements that are part of a larger whole.

comprises

A more formal synonym, indicating the elements that constitute something.

is characterized by

Focuses on the defining features or qualities of something.

is defined by

Highlights the essential characteristics that determine the nature of something.

is essentially

Emphasizes the fundamental nature or core aspect of something.

lies in

Indicates the key factor or element that determines something.

is rooted in

Focuses on the origin or foundation upon which something is based.

FAQs

How can I use "consists in" in a sentence?

"Consists in" indicates what something is made up of or what its essential components are. For example, "Happiness often consists in simple pleasures."

What phrases are similar to "consists in"?

Alternatives include "is composed of", "is made up of", or "involves", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "consists of" and "consists in"?

"Consists of" means 'is composed of', while "consists in" means 'is found in' or 'lies in'. The subtle distinction depends on whether you're describing the components or the essence of something.

When is it appropriate to use "consists in" rather than a simpler phrase?

Use "consists in" when you want to emphasize the fundamental nature or core essence of something, as opposed to merely listing its components. It is particularly useful in formal writing and philosophical contexts.