what constitutes

USAGE SUMMARY

"what constitutes" is correct and usable in written English, and is most commonly used when asking about the components of something.
For example, you might say, "What constitutes a healthy diet?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What constitutes male, what constitutes female?

Independent

What constitutes not trying?

The New York Times

What constitutes success?

The New York Times - Arts

What constitutes greatness?

The New York Times

First, what constitutes "important"?

The New York Times - Tech

But what constitutes distraction?

The New York Times

What constitutes a dish?

The New Yorker

What constitutes being late?

The Guardian - Film

What constitutes abuse?

The Guardian - Film

What constitutes a life?

The New York Times

What constitutes self-protection?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be precise in your inquiry. If you're asking about a specific legal term, research its formal definition beforehand to refine your question.

Common error

Avoid using "what constitutes" in overly broad or philosophical contexts where a definitive answer is unlikely. For example, asking "What constitutes happiness?" may be too subjective for a concrete response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what constitutes" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about the essential components or definition of something. It invites a response that clarifies the elements or criteria that define a particular concept, entity, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what constitutes" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to inquire about the components, definition, or criteria that define a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news media, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating a formal to neutral register. Its purpose is primarily to seek clarification and understanding. When using this phrase, ensure your context provides a clear subject and avoid overly broad or subjective inquiries. Consider alternatives like "what defines" or "what comprises" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what defines

This alternative focuses on the defining characteristics rather than the components.

what comprises

This alternative emphasizes the elements that make up the whole.

what is considered

This alternative shifts the focus to common perception or judgment.

what is regarded as

This alternative highlights a specific viewpoint or assessment.

what elements make up

This option directly asks about the components that form something.

what factors contribute to

This alternative emphasizes the contributing elements, often in a more abstract sense.

how do you define

This alternative directly seeks a definition from someone.

what are the characteristics of

This alternative focuses on the specific attributes or qualities.

what are the components of

This option is a straightforward request for the constituent parts.

what is the essence of

This alternative asks about the fundamental nature or intrinsic quality.

FAQs

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

Use "what constitutes" when seeking the definition or components of something, as in "What constitutes a quorum for a meeting?" or "What constitutes fraud in legal terms?"

What phrases are similar to "what constitutes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what defines", "what comprises", or "what elements make up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "what constitutes" or "what is"?

"What is" is more general, while "what constitutes" specifically asks about the components or elements that form something. Use "what constitutes" when you want to understand the makeup of a concept or thing. For example, "What is art?" vs. "What constitutes art in the modern era?"

When is it inappropriate to use "what constitutes"?

Avoid using "what constitutes" when seeking opinions or subjective judgments. It's better suited for questions with relatively objective answers based on definitions or criteria. For example, asking "What makes a good friend?" is better than asking "What constitutes a good friend?"