the make-up of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the make-up of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the composition or structure of something. For example, "This report details the make-up of the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The make-up of her economic team is uncertain.

The Economist

The problem is the make-up of Arsenal's squad.

Independent

Meanwhile, the make-up of Mexican migration is changing.

The Economist

"The make-up of crowds has changed," warns Clarke.

The Guardian - Sport

What was the make-up of the school like?

The Guardian - Film

Hall revealed the make-up of the audience for Question Time.

The Guardian

"It's very hard to explain," Edsall said when asked about the make-up of his team.

The New York Times - Sports

The make-up of the flows has changed over the years.

The Economist

"Look at the make-up of something like the National Youth Orchestra.

Independent

The Royal Ballet, too, has reported changes in the make-up of its audiences.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it signified a change in the make up of the game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the make-up of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being composed or constituted. For example, specify "the make-up of the team" rather than just "the make-up".

Common error

While "the make-up of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal writing. Simpler terms like "composition" or "structure" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the make-up of" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It introduces the idea of composition, constitution, or arrangement of constituent parts. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the make-up of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the composition or structure of something, according to Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as indicated by Ludwig AI, appearing most frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. While adaptable to different registers, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject's composition is clearly defined. Consider simpler alternatives in informal contexts. This comprehensive analysis highlights the phrase's proper usage and contextual relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the composition of

Replaces "make-up" with "composition", emphasizing the arrangement of parts.

the constitution of

Uses "constitution" to highlight the fundamental structure or nature of something.

the structure of

Focuses specifically on the arrangement and organization of components.

the arrangement of

Emphasizes the way elements are placed or organized.

the components of

Highlights the individual parts that form a whole.

the elements of

Similar to "components", but can also refer to basic principles or qualities.

the blend of

Suggests a mixture or combination of different elements.

the mix of

Similar to "blend", but slightly more informal.

the organization of

Focuses on how elements are systematically arranged.

the framework of

Highlights the underlying structure that supports something.

FAQs

How can I use "the make-up of" in a sentence?

You can use "the make-up of" to describe the composition or structure of something, such as "The study analyzed the make-up of the soil" or "The make-up of the committee was diverse".

What's a simpler way to say "the make-up of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the composition of", "the structure of", or "the elements of".

Is it correct to say "the make-up of the team are" instead of "is"?

No, it should be "the make-up of the team is" because "make-up" is singular and refers to the overall composition, not individual members. Using "is" ensures subject-verb agreement.

How does "the make-up of" differ from "the makeup" (cosmetics)?

"The make-up of" refers to the composition or structure of something, while "makeup" (one word) refers to cosmetics. Although they are spelled the same, context clarifies their distinct meanings. For example, "the make-up of the committee" versus "She applied her makeup".