what would constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

'what would constitute' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to ask what elements or elements would be enough to constitute an idea. For example, "What would constitute a successful outcome for the project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And what would constitute happiness?

The New York Times

What would constitute empirical evidence?

The New York Times

Just what would constitute clear-cut progress?

The New York Times

What would constitute justice in this case?

The Washington Post

What would constitute "high" human capital maturity?

Harvard Business Review

Let's try to define what would constitute a turning point.

The New York Times

What would constitute a viable policy for drug usage?

Encyclopedia Britannica

She did not define what would constitute a clean athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

But I wondered, just what would constitute a suburban legend?

The New York Times

What would constitute a "perfect" day for you?

The New Yorker

The president declined to define what would constitute progress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what would constitute", ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria or conditions being considered. Be specific about the factors that contribute to the constitution of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "what would constitute" in overly broad or undefined contexts. If the criteria remain ambiguous, the question becomes meaningless. Clearly outline the parameters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what would constitute" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the necessary elements or conditions for something to be considered complete, valid, or a specific instance of a category. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

18%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what would constitute" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily employed to inquire about the defining elements or conditions of a particular concept or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for formal inquiries requiring clear definition. Common contexts include News & Media, Academia, and Science, with usage spanning from legal definitions to philosophical considerations. To ensure clarity, avoid vagueness and clearly outline the parameters in question. Alternatives include "what would define", "what would qualify as", and "what would count as". The frequency of use of "what would constitute" across authoritative sources indicates its relevance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what would define

Focuses on the defining characteristics rather than the constituent elements.

what would qualify as

Emphasizes meeting specific requirements or standards.

what would count as

Highlights the criteria for something to be included in a particular category.

what would be considered

Focuses on general perception or judgment.

what elements are needed for

Breaks down the phrase into its component parts, emphasizing the required components.

what is the threshold for

Highlights the minimum level required for something to be considered valid.

how would one characterize

Shifts the focus to describing the nature or essence of something.

what are the prerequisites for

Specifies the necessary conditions that must be met beforehand.

what is the benchmark for

Emphasizes a standard against which something is measured.

what criteria must be met for

Specifies explicit conditions or principles for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "what would constitute" in a sentence?

You can use "what would constitute" to inquire about the necessary elements or conditions for something. For example, "What would constitute a breach of contract?"

What is a more formal way to phrase "what would constitute"?

A more formal alternative is "what would qualify as" or "what would be considered". These options often suit academic or professional settings.

Is "what would constitute" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "what would constitute" might sound slightly formal in casual settings. Consider using alternatives like "what would count as" for a more relaxed tone.

What's the difference between "what would constitute" and "what would define"?

"What would constitute" focuses on the components or elements that make up something, while "what would define" focuses on the characteristics or qualities that distinguish it.