it consists of

USAGE SUMMARY

"it consists of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of things that make up a whole. For example, "This meal consists of grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and quinoa."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead it consists of all three.

The Economist

It consists of one large circular chamber.

The New Yorker

Because it consists of photographs.

The New York Times

It consists of two sculptures.

The New York Times - Arts

It consists of 50 questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

It consists of three parts.

Britannica

It consists of two parts.

Stanford University

It consists of four steps.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

It consists of two modules.

Environmental Modelling & Software

It consists of two components.

Environmental Modelling & Software

It consists of two stages.

Applied Soft Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it consists of" when you want to explicitly list the parts that make up a whole. For example, "The project team consists of engineers, designers, and project managers."

Common error

Be mindful of using "it consists of" when the context already implies composition. Avoid stating the obvious; instead, focus on providing specific details about the composition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it consists of" functions as a linking phrase to define the composition of a subject. It introduces the elements or components that constitute a whole, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig. It is generally used to specify the parts that make up a larger entity or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it consists of" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to specify the composition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its versatility. While alternatives like "it comprises" or "it includes" exist, "it consists of" explicitly lists the components of a subject. When using the phrase, ensure that the composition is not already implied and that the listed components are specific and relevant. By understanding the nuances of its usage, writers can effectively communicate the makeup of a subject with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is composed of

Passive voice emphasizes the resulting state rather than the act of comprising.

it comprises

A more concise and formal way to say something includes multiple parts.

its components are

Directly identifies the constituent parts of something.

it includes

Focuses on the elements that are part of something without necessarily being exhaustive.

it is made up of

Informal alternative emphasizing the components of something.

it is formed of

Highlights the process of formation or assembly.

it encompasses

Suggests a broad inclusion of various elements or aspects.

it incorporates

Suggests that something integrates or contains various elements.

it embodies

Implies that something represents or contains essential qualities or elements.

it features

Highlights specific elements that are prominent or noteworthy.

FAQs

How to use "it consists of" in a sentence?

Use "it consists of" to define what something is made of or includes. For instance, "The solar system consists of the Sun, planets, and various smaller objects."

What can I say instead of "it consists of"?

You can use alternatives like "it comprises", "it includes", or "it is composed of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it consists of"?

Yes, "it consists of" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe the components of something. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

What's the difference between "it consists of" and "it includes"?

"It consists of" usually implies a complete list of components, while "it includes" suggests that there may be other components not explicitly mentioned.