that make up

USAGE SUMMARY

'that make up' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the components of a whole, for example: "This cake contains four ingredients that make up its delicious flavour."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meet the teams that make up ITS.

Cornell University

All the things that make up a home, that make up a point on a map.

The New York Times

The components that make up the printable device.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

All the components that make up the milk.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The cells that make up these organs have limited lifespans.

Stanford University

Who are the people that make up modern Britain?

Independent

"The small snapshots and fragments that make up a life".

The New York Times

There are many factors that make up that experience.

Independent

Does that make up for lack of technical skill?

The New York Times

The atoms that make up matter never touch each other.

The Guardian

Right now the stocks that make up the S.&P.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that make up", verify that the subject and verb agree in number. If the subject is plural, use "that make up"; if singular, consider rephrasing or using an alternative construction.

Common error

Avoid using "that makes up" when referring to multiple components. "Makes up" implies a singular subject. Instead, use "that make up" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that make up" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying the elements or parts that constitute it. It serves to define or describe the composition of a particular entity or concept, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that make up" is a versatile phrase used to describe the components of a larger entity or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a relative clause, providing clarity by specifying the elements that constitute a whole. While alternatives like "that comprise" and "that constitute" exist, "that make up" remains a common and effective choice across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure subject-verb agreement to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that constitute

Focuses on the act of composing or establishing something.

that comprise

Emphasizes the inclusion of elements within a larger whole.

that form

Highlights the process of creating or shaping something.

that compose

Similar to "that comprise", but may suggest a more deliberate arrangement.

that consist of

Specifies the elements included in a set or entity.

that are composed of

Passive form emphasizing the elements from which something is made.

that build

Implies construction or development over time.

that create

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

that constitute the whole of

Emphasizes that all of these elements are needed to form a complete thing.

that contribute to

Indicates that elements play a role in the formation of something, but may not be the only components.

FAQs

How can I use "that make up" in a sentence?

Use "that make up" to describe the components of something. For example, "The ingredients "that make up" this cake are flour, sugar, and eggs."

What are some alternatives to "that make up"?

Alternatives include "that constitute", "that comprise", or "that form", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that makes up" instead of "that make up"?

No, "that makes up" is incorrect when referring to multiple components. The correct phrasing is "that make up" to agree with the plural subject. If the subject is singular, consider an alternative construction.

What's the difference between "that make up" and "that comprise"?

"That make up" is a more general term for indicating composition. "That comprise" specifically means to be composed of or to include. While often interchangeable, "that comprise" can sometimes imply a more formal or structured arrangement of components.