constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "constitute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning to make up, form, or compose. For example, "The four members of the committee constitute a majority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BME people constitute one in seven of the UK population, yet they represent more than one in three of those accepted as statutorily homeless.

The Guardian

He said he had concerns about the arrests, that they may constitute a "possible miscarriage of justice" and that they were "undoubtedly being used to undermine Sinn Fein's contribution to the peace process in Ireland".

The Guardian

Are you saying that victims of torture constitute a social group?" "Yes and no … well, yes," Ustinkin said.

The Guardian

Instead, it discovered that her "wildest weekend" involved wearing some clothes that apparently constitute "boho chic", being seen talking to Justin Bieber and complaining when she found someone sitting in a seat reserved for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Seen in this light, it's clear that all the paraphernalia we regard as the sign and substance of government may in fact merely constitute what a dynamicist would think of as a "local maximum".

The Guardian

They did not constitute a mass disappearance, he said, because each case was different and they were not associated with a single event.

The Guardian

It is important that he acknowledged the importance of a modern industrial policy, but while the planned Alan Turing Centre on big data and algorithms and the proposed doctoral centres on grapheme and cell therapy are welcome, they hardly constitute its spearhead.

The Guardian - Opinion

The crazy thing is that for Tyson defeat would now constitute a good career move.

The Guardian - Sport

"The acts of brutality that are being reported may constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes," he said of the Aleppo fighting.

The Guardian

The court reasoned it could constitute an attempt to pervert the course of justice as it intended to dissuade a police officer from investigating an offence.

The Guardian

Can his mutiny really constitute a moral treachery when so much of it seemed to happen to him?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitute" when you want to emphasize that certain elements or components collectively form a whole or a defined entity.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute" when the subject is a single entity. "Constitute" implies multiple elements forming a whole; using it for a singular subject is grammatically incorrect. For example, don't say "This law constitutes the government" instead of "This law empowers the government."

Linguistic Context

The verb "constitute" functions to define the components that form a whole or establish something. Ludwig examples show it expressing the composition of a group or the elements that comprise a system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constitute" is a versatile verb that indicates the formation or composition of something. Ludwig examples show its prevalent use in news, formal documents, and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound. When using "constitute", ensure clarity by specifying the parts and the whole they form, avoiding its use with singular subjects. Alternatives like "make up" or "comprise" can offer similar meaning, but "constitute" often adds a more formal tone. Keep in mind that "constitute" emphasizes the components making the whole, and this is the main nuance that distinguishes it from its interchangeable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprise

A more formal synonym for "constitute", emphasizing the elements that compose something.

compose

Similar to "comprise", but can also imply arrangement or organization of elements.

form

A simpler and more direct synonym for "constitute", highlighting the act of creating or establishing.

make up

Replaces "constitute" with a more informal phrasal verb, focusing on the components that form a whole.

establish

Focuses on the act of setting up or creating something, particularly laws or institutions.

represent

Implies that something stands for or is an example of something else.

amount to

Indicates a total or result, often used when discussing consequences or impacts.

be equivalent to

Highlights that two things are equal in value or meaning.

serve as

Similar to "act as", but often implies a more formal or designated role.

act as

Describes something that functions in a particular role or capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute" in a sentence?

Use "constitute" to describe the elements that form a whole. For example, "These efforts "constitute a significant change"" or "The ingredients "constitute the recipe"".

What are some alternatives to the word "constitute"?

You can use alternatives like "make up", "comprise", or "form" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is constituted of"?

While grammatically acceptable, "is constituted of" can sound awkward. It's often better to use "comprises", "consists of", or simply "constitutes".

What's the difference between "constitute" and "comprise"?

"Constitute" emphasizes the parts forming the whole, while "comprise" emphasizes the whole containing the parts. You can say "The parts constitute the whole" or "The whole comprises the parts".