is composed of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is composed of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is made up of other parts, components or elements. For example: This soup is composed of a variety of vegetables.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is composed of debt.

The New York Times

The innermost layer is composed of silicon.

The Economist

University education is composed of three levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The calyx is composed of fused sepals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chujean is composed of Chuj and Tojolabal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The audience is composed of real people.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is composed of different political formations".

The Guardian

It is composed of senior civil servants.

The Guardian - Business

"Life is composed of different inventions.

The Guardian

Ireland's team is composed of Capt.

The New York Times

The fibrous layer is composed of collagen.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of something, be specific about the elements and their proportions. For instance, instead of just saying "the cake is composed of ingredients", specify "the cake is composed of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter in a 2:1:1:1 ratio".

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the same sentence. For example, don't say "The team is composed of members who were selected based on skill", instead maintain consistency with "The team is composed of members who are selected based on skill" or "The team was composed of members who were selected based on skill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is composed of" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating the constitution or makeup of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction to describe the parts of something. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is composed of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the constitution of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It appears most often in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. The phrase indicates the components of a subject, clarifying its structure or ingredients. Alternatives include "consists of", "is made up of", and "is comprised of". When using this phrase, ensure consistent tense and provide specific details about the components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consists of

This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "is composed of".

is made up of

Indicates the elements that constitute something, similar to "is composed of".

is comprised of

Another close synonym that signifies the elements forming a whole.

constitutes

This verb indicates what something is made of, similar in meaning.

includes

Suggests that something contains specific elements, though it might not be exhaustive.

is constructed from

Focuses on the building blocks or materials used to create something.

is built from

Similar to "is constructed from", emphasizing the materials used.

features

Highlights the elements or characteristics that something possesses.

incorporates

Implies that something integrates or contains specific components.

embodies

Indicates that something represents or contains certain qualities or elements.

FAQs

What does "is composed of" mean?

The phrase "is composed of" means that something is made up of certain parts or elements. It's used to describe the constituents of a whole.

How can I use "is composed of" in a sentence?

You can use "is composed of" to describe what something consists of. For example, "The committee "is composed of" seven members".

What are some alternatives to "is composed of"?

Some alternatives to "is composed of" include "consists of", "is made up of", and "is comprised of".

Is "is comprised of" the same as "is composed of"?

Yes, "is comprised of" is often used as a synonym for "is composed of", both indicating that something consists of certain parts. However, some usage guides prefer "is composed of" as the more grammatically sound option. "Consists of" is another alternative.