to constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to constitute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the elements or components that make up a whole or define something. Example: "The committee is composed of five members, which together constitute the decision-making body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then technically those things are legally sufficient to constitute felonies.

The New York Times - Sports

So calling ISIS Islamic isn't novel enough to constitute news.

The New Yorker

This would hardly seem to constitute an emergency.

The Guardian - Opinion

The party tended, therefore, to constitute a closed order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first, this appears to constitute a major commitment.

The Economist

They have come to constitute a sort of abusable underclass.

The New York Times

Three right-wing parties that have opposed Israeli withdrawals are likely to constitute the main opposition.

The New York Times

There was enough opera, for example, to constitute a small Baroque opera series.

The New York Times - Arts

So the weakness of the state case is not such as to constitute exceptional circumsatcnes.

The Guardian

There were enough of them in Zitácuaro to constitute a new class, la fresada.

The New Yorker

The word in classical Greek — outis — sounds enough like Odysseus to constitute a kind of pun.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to constitute", ensure that the elements you are describing clearly form the whole you are referencing. Clarity in this relationship is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to constitute" when describing elements that merely contribute to something but do not fully compose it. Instead, use words like "contribute" or "influence" to avoid misrepresenting the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to constitute" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of forming or composing something, or of being an element or part of a whole. Ludwig AI examples show its use in defining what makes up a felony or a news event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to constitute" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that signifies forming, composing, or establishing something. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. It's essential to ensure clarity in the relationship between the elements described and the whole they form, avoiding its use when describing mere contributions. Alternatives like "to compose" or "to form" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to compose

Focuses on the act of creating something by combining different elements, similar to "to constitute" but with a stronger emphasis on the individual components.

to form

Emphasizes the act of creating or shaping something into a particular form or structure, slightly broader than "to constitute".

to make up

Highlights the elements that combine to create the whole, similar to "to constitute" but with an informal tone.

to comprise

Indicates that something is composed of specific parts or elements, nearly synonymous with "to constitute" but often used when listing components.

to establish

Focuses on the act of setting something up or creating something in a more formal or official way, different angle compared to "to constitute".

to create

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence, similar to "to constitute" but with a broader sense of origination.

to represent

Highlights the function of portraying or exemplifying, while "to constitute" focuses on the formation of something.

to embody

Implies giving a tangible or concrete form to an abstract concept, while "to constitute" focuses on the elements forming the whole.

to institute

Focuses on establishing or initiating something, particularly a system or set of rules, in contrast to the compositional aspect of "to constitute".

to define

Highlights the action of specifying or determining the nature of something, whereas "to constitute" refers to the components that create the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "to constitute" in a sentence?

The phrase "to constitute" is used to describe what makes up a whole. For example, "Several factors "to constitute" a successful project, including planning, execution, and communication."

What is a good alternative for "to constitute"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "to constitute" include "to compose", "to form", "to make up", or "to comprise".

What's the difference between "to constitute" and "to comprise"?

"To constitute" emphasizes the elements forming a whole, while "to comprise" focuses on the whole being made up of parts. Both are similar, but "to constitute" often highlights the elements, and "to comprise" highlights the whole.

Is it formal to use "to constitute" in academic writing?

Yes, "to constitute" is appropriate for formal and academic writing. It indicates a clear and precise relationship between components and the whole, which aligns with the standards of academic discourse.