constitute something that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute something that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing elements or components that make up a particular thing or concept. Example: "The various factors constitute something that significantly impacts the overall outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are 57 individual actions you can chose to whether to be emailed about giving you granular control over what constitutes something that is worthy of filling up your inbox.

The Guardian - Tech

The fact that understanding operates by means of such anticipatory structures means that understanding always involves what Gadamer terms the 'anticipation of completeness' it always involves the revisable presupposition that what is to be understood constitutes something that is understandable, that is, something that is constituted as a coherent, and therefore meaningful, whole.

SEP

And the Qur'anic affirmation that Jesus of Nazareth was "born of a virgin" and was "Christ" seems to me to be something that constitutes an important shared tradition, one which constitutes a bridge between Islam and Christianity.

Huffington Post

Florida argues that there is an identifiable cluster of occupations (scientist, architect, academic, artist) that, taken together, constitute something called the Super-Creative Core.

The New Yorker

On these grounds, we might conclude that her writings constitute something of a bridge between the querelle des femmes of the late-medieval period and the later feminist arguments of figures such as Astell and Masham.

SEP

They, in fact, constitute something like a nation unto themselves, an economy already two-thirds that of Germany's.

Huffington Post

For example, when presented with a survey item that uses the term "complex problem" there may be cultural differences in what constitutes "complex"; something that is considered complex in one culture may be characterized as basic in another.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Point being: there is some horrendous shit on our screens, so what constitutes something so bad that it has to be wrenched from the viewing schedule and left to rot in the frothy dregs of the dark net?

Vice

Here it is seen in a rough-and-tumble staging that constitutes something of a throwback.

The New York Times - Arts

If the trade had gone off smoothly, that would have constituted something of a win for a franchise that doesn't seem destined to win anything in 2013.

The New York Times - Sports

"All 23 are ready to play from the beginning on," Klinsmann said after last week's win over Ecuador, hardly killing the idea stone dead, and the possibility of Christian playing a starring role against Paraguay in Philadelphia – a game that constitutes something of a homecoming – would certainly be a logical step in the fairytale.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "form something that" or "make up something that" for variety and to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute something that" when simpler wording would suffice. For example, instead of saying "These rules constitute something that is very important", you could say "These rules are very important".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute something that" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that certain elements or components form a particular thing or concept. As Ludwig confirms, this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constitute something that" is a grammatically sound way to express that certain elements form a whole, according to Ludwig. Although it is valid, simpler alternatives may sometimes improve clarity. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, consider its impact on overall clarity and readability, and be mindful of context. Consider using synonyms such as "make up something that" or "form something that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up something that

Emphasizes the components forming a whole, differing in the specific verb used.

comprise something that

Highlights the inclusion of elements within a larger entity, using a different verb with a similar meaning.

form something that

Focuses on the act of creation or shaping, altering the verb to convey the process.

represent something that

Suggests symbolizing or standing for something, shifting the focus from composition to representation.

amount to something that

Indicates a total or result, changing the emphasis to a quantitative outcome.

be equivalent to something that

Highlights the equality or equivalence of items, rather than their combined contribution.

entail something that

Focuses on what is necessarily involved or included, shifting the sense slightly.

involve something that

Suggests that something is included as a necessary part or condition. The focus is on the inclusion aspect.

embody something that

Focuses on expressing or representing an idea in a tangible form. The shift is from composition to symbolic representation.

characterize something that

This phrase emphasizes the distinctive features or qualities of something. It shifts the focus from composition to defining traits.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "constitute something that" for clarity?

Consider using simpler alternatives such as "form something that", "make up something that", or rephrasing to eliminate the need for the phrase altogether. The best option depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "that" after "something" in the phrase "constitute something that"?

The inclusion of "that" depends on the sentence structure. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes be omitted for brevity if the meaning remains clear. For example: "These elements constitute something important".

What is the difference between "constitute something that" and "comprise something that"?

"Constitute something that" emphasizes the elements forming a whole, while "comprise something that" focuses on what is included within a larger entity. The distinction is subtle, and they are often interchangeable, but "comprise something that" can sometimes imply a more comprehensive inclusion.

Can I use "constitute something that" in formal writing?

Yes, "constitute something that" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure its use adds value and precision to your writing rather than making it unnecessarily complex. Simpler alternatives might be more effective in some cases.