that consists of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that consists of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is made up of a number of components or elements. For example, "This recipe requires ingredients that consist of eggs, flour, and sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A breakfast that consists of cycling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Imagine you have a pattern that consists of 12 quavers.

The Guardian - Music

This paper proposes a solution that consists of three components.

The North American Journal of Economics and Finance

About half that consists of the value of free drug samples given to doctors.

The New York Times

"He said you'd promised the underground tour, whatever that consists of".

The New Yorker

A real-estate deal that consists of a handshake and a bottle of Champagne.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

They have lots of songs that consist of 82 seconds of screaming.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, corporations are organizations that consist of people.

The New York Times

These enthusiastic singers produce songs that consist of long but relatively simple sequences of syllables.

MIT Technology Review

Like the feldspars, they have framework structures that consist of silica and alumina tetrahedrons.

Britannica

The next day, the subjects underwent an fMRI scan that consisted of two 5.5-min runs.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the components of a system or structure, use "that consists of" to clearly indicate a defined set of elements. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity about what is included.

Common error

Avoid using "that consists of" when "that includes" is more appropriate. "That consists of" implies a complete list, while "that includes" suggests only some of the elements are being mentioned. Be precise in conveying whether the list is exhaustive or partial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that consists of" functions as a relative clause, specifically an adjective clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing information about its composition. Ludwig shows examples illustrating how it describes the elements comprising a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that consists of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the composition of something. Ludwig's AI affirms its correctness, and the examples show its application across diverse contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. While versatile, remember to use it when providing a complete list of components, differentiating it from phrases like "that includes". Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, helping you precisely convey information about the makeup of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is composed of

Focuses on the act of being formed or created from specific elements, implying a structured arrangement.

that comprises

Suggests a comprehensive inclusion of all necessary parts, often used in formal contexts.

that is made up of

Emphasizes the constituent parts of something, often used in descriptive contexts.

that includes

Implies a selection of items or components, rather than a complete listing of all parts.

that encompasses

Implies a broad and comprehensive coverage of a range of elements or aspects.

that features

Highlights specific characteristics or elements, emphasizing their prominence or importance.

that incorporates

Indicates the integration of elements into a unified whole, stressing the blending of components.

that is characterized by

Focuses on the defining traits or features that distinguish something.

that embodies

Suggests that something is a tangible representation of an abstract concept or principle.

that entails

Highlights the necessary consequences or components of a process or activity.

FAQs

How do I use "that consists of" in a sentence?

Use "that consists of" to specify the components or elements that make up something. For example, "The project team "that consists of" three developers and a project manager".

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

You can use alternatives like "that is composed of", "that comprises", or "that includes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that is consisted of" instead of "that consists of"?

No, "that is consisted of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""that consists of"". The verb "consist" does not typically take the passive voice.

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

"That consists of" implies a complete listing of components, while "that includes" suggests only some of the components are mentioned, and there may be others not listed.