that makes up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that makes up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the components or elements that constitute a whole or a particular entity. Example: "The committee is composed of several members, each of whom plays a vital role that makes up the overall success of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's clearly one of the mechanisms that makes up religions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Physicists have excellent, accurate theories to describe the behaviour of the matter that makes up atoms.

The Economist

"But if it's a nice place, that makes up for the darkness".

The New York Times

The stuff that makes up almost half a century of life together.

The New York Times

There is, however, a second mechanism that makes up for this deficiency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She's also part of a yuppie culture that makes up a large portion of Gen Y.

Independent

The two nations' highest offices represent every shade of opinion that makes up their democracies.

The New York Times

For brief moments, every single cell that makes up me knows that I am completely safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Jews are only one part of the diverse equation that makes up Fleetwood.

The New York Times

This is "Walker Assault" one of the modes that makes up Battlefront's multiplayer-focused offering.

The Guardian - Tech

He loves being the architecture to each and every layer that makes up his sound.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of something complex, use "that makes up" to clearly indicate the constituent elements. For example, "The team that makes up the project consists of experts from various fields."

Common error

Ensure the verb 'makes' agrees with the noun it modifies. A common mistake is using 'make' instead of 'makes' when the subject is singular, such as 'the element that make up the compound'. The correct form is 'the element that makes up the compound'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that makes up" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or noun phrase, specifying the components or elements that constitute it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its role in specifying composition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that makes up" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the components or elements constituting a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. It functions as a relative clause, providing detailed information about the composition of a subject. When writing, ensure verb agreement and consider using synonyms like "that constitutes" or "that comprises" for variety. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's consistent role in specifying composition, making it an essential tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that constitutes

Replaces "makes up" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the act of composing or forming.

that comprises

Similar to "constitutes" but emphasizes the inclusion of all parts or elements.

that forms

Highlights the action of creating or shaping something from its components.

that composes

Focuses on the act of putting parts together to create a whole.

that consists of

Emphasizes the elements or components that are included within something.

that is composed of

A passive construction emphasizing the components of a whole.

that includes

Highlights the inclusion of certain elements as part of a larger entity.

that integrates

Focuses on how different parts combine to function as a unified whole.

that represents

Indicates that something is a manifestation or embodiment of certain qualities or components.

that embodies

Suggests that something is a tangible or visible form of a set of characteristics or parts.

FAQs

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

Use "that makes up" to describe the elements or components that constitute a whole. For example, "The diverse range of skills that makes up the team allows them to tackle complex projects effectively."

What are some alternatives to "that makes up"?

You can use alternatives like "that constitutes", "that comprises", or "that forms" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

No, "that make up" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a singular antecedent. The verb must agree with the subject; therefore, when the subject is singular, use "that makes up". For example, "The ingredient that makes up the majority of the dish is rice."

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

"That makes up" refers to the components or elements that constitute something, while "that sums up" means to provide a concise summary or conclusion. They have different meanings and are used in different contexts.