that constitutes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that constitutes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are discussing the components of something, or if you want to express the idea that something is made up of particular pieces. For example: "The evidence that constitutes this case is overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Weatherspoon says that constitutes blatant jury misconduct.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the innocence that constitutes the crime".

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no single taxonomic group that constitutes the rabbit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

rules, the Canadians say, that constitutes an illegal subsidy that gives Embraer an unfair advantage.

The New York Times

It has little to do with the mediascape that constitutes so many other people's present".

The Guardian - Books

But Joseph, the author of the diary that constitutes the book, has not yet been inducted.

The New Yorker

The "Chaos" music that constitutes the introduction is perhaps the greatest tone poem ever written.

The New York Times - Arts

I suppose that from General Motors' perspective, that constitutes unfair competition.

The New York Times

Companies have used different techniques to create the unique code that constitutes a fingerprint.

The New York Times - Tech

"If they engage in conduct that constitutes defamation, the person who is harmed has legal recourse".

The New York Times

These ends are public, the res publica that constitutes us as a common people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that constitutes" when you want to clearly define what components make up a larger concept or entity. For example, "Honesty and integrity are the values that constitutes a trustworthy character."

Common error

Avoid using "which constitutes" when "that constitutes" is more appropriate. "That" is used for restrictive clauses essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which" is for non-restrictive clauses that add extra information. For example, use "the evidence that constitutes the case" instead of "the evidence, which constitutes the case,"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that constitutes" functions as a relative clause introducing information that defines or specifies a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples demonstrate how it identifies components, qualities, or actions that form something larger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that constitutes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for defining the components of something, Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its formality is typically neutral to formal, making it appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. While alternatives like "that makes up" or "that comprises" exist, "that constitutes" carries a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use "that" for restrictive clauses and avoid common errors such as misusing "which" instead. Its wide usage across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that makes up

Focuses on the components forming a whole.

that comprises

Highlights the elements included within something.

that embodies

Emphasizes the representation of an abstract concept.

that represents

Stresses the symbolic or indicative nature.

that is defined as

Highlights a formal definition.

that is considered to be

Indicates a common or accepted view.

that amounts to

Suggests a final sum or consequence.

that entails

Focuses on what something necessarily involves.

that signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or importance.

that establishes

Highlights the creation or foundation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that constitutes" in a sentence?

Use "that constitutes" to specify the components or elements of something. For example, "The combination of ingredients "that constitutes" the recipe creates a unique flavor."

What's a formal alternative to "that constitutes"?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "that comprises", "that embodies", or "that represents" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "which constitutes" instead of "that constitutes"?

While "which constitutes" is grammatically correct, "that constitutes" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use "which constitutes" only for non-essential, additional information.

What's the difference between ""that constitutes"" and "that makes up"?

"That constitutes" is more formal and emphasizes the act of forming or composing something. "That makes up" is more informal and simply indicates the components of something.