should be composed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be composed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying the necessary components or elements that make up something. Example: "The committee should be composed of members from various departments to ensure diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He thought that it should be composed of conscripts.

The New Yorker

"A rational plan should be composed of discrete elements, working together to produce the result we want: a profit.

The New York Times

Consequently, such "multistage" vaccines should be composed of (immunodominant) antigens expressed during different phases of Mtb infection.

Vaccine

Hump should be composed of no fewer than eighty pounds of fat to insure perkiness and that it's not slumping like a sad orca fin.

The New Yorker

In effect, the notion of the common good is a denial that society is and should be composed of atomized individuals living in isolation from one another.

Britannica

As the committee considered this information, its members voiced an aspiration: BP should be composed of bolder, more powerful leaders, from top to bottom.

Harvard Business Review

The law says that the oversight board should be composed of "individuals who have demonstrated commitment to the interests of investors and the public".

The Economist

Ideally, such screening should be composed of monitoring general health, sensory functions, and motor abilities, right before specific behavioral domains are tested.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology

The ringtone should be composed of low-frequency sounds under loud ambient noise because the subjects were very sensitive to the pure tone with frequency of 500 Hz.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Thus, the intelligent gripper should be composed of two three-axis gripper force sensors that measure forces Fx, Fy and Fz at the same time.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Lord Myners, the former City minister, said: "The FPC should be composed of people of real world experience and the strength of character to express an independent view from the prevailing wisdom of the Bank of England".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the composition of something, ensure all the key elements are mentioned clearly and concisely, use "should be composed of" to establish what constitutes the entity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the elements following "should be composed of" are exhaustive or clearly representative. If the list is not exhaustive, consider using phrases like "should include" or "should primarily consist of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be composed of" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation, requirement, or expectation regarding the composition of something. Ludwig indicates this phrase is perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be composed of" is a versatile phrase used to specify the constituent elements of something, implying a recommended or expected composition. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse fields, particularly in science and news media. When using "should be composed of", prioritize clarity and comprehensiveness to prevent ambiguity. Consider using alternative phrases like "should consist of" or "should include" for slight nuances in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey the intended composition with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should consist of

Replaces "composed of" with "consist of", focusing on the elements that something is made up of. It has a slightly more formal tone.

should be comprised of

Similar to "composed of" but can sometimes be considered more formal or slightly archaic by some speakers.

should be made up of

Emphasizes the act of creation or assembly, implying a collection of parts put together.

should be formed from

Focuses on the process by which something comes into existence, emphasizing the source materials.

should include

Highlights the presence of certain elements within a larger whole, without necessarily implying completeness.

should contain

Focuses on the inclusion of specific components within a larger entity, often used in a more descriptive context.

should incorporate

Suggests the integration of elements into a unified whole, implying a functional relationship.

should feature

Highlights prominent or important elements, implying a focus on specific characteristics.

should integrate

Suggests the seamless incorporation of various components into a cohesive whole, emphasizing harmony and synergy.

should embody

Implies that something serves as a tangible expression or representation of particular qualities or concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "should be composed of" in a sentence?

Use "should be composed of" to specify the elements or parts that constitute a whole. For example, "The team should be composed of members from different departments."

What are some alternatives to "should be composed of"?

You can use alternatives like "should consist of", "should include", or "should be made up of" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to list all components after "should be composed of"?

While it's ideal to be comprehensive, you can use "should be composed of" to highlight the most important or representative elements. In such cases, consider adding a phrase like "among others" or "including but not limited to" for clarity.

What's the difference between "should be composed of" and "should comprise"?

"Should be composed of" emphasizes the elements that form a whole, while "should comprise" focuses on the whole containing its parts. Although similar, using "should comprise" may be perceived as slightly more formal.