which consist of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which consist of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a list of nouns or things that make up something larger. For example: "My meal consisted of a hamburger, fries, and a milkshake, which consist of beef, potatoes, and ice cream, respectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The SDGs, which consist of 17 goals, have a target date of 2030.

The Guardian

He said patients preferred prostheses, which consist of hooks with cosmetic artificial hands.

The New York Times

Writer quotes conversations overheard, which consist of minor complaining and sports talk.

The New Yorker

"My entire dissertation is devoted to data networks which consist of connected sets of single nodes," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Just look at the albums in the show, which consist of pages and pages of forgettable photographs.

The New York Times - Arts

Surprisingly, for a movie this ephemeral, the closing sequences, which consist of flashbacks and confrontations, are actually quite touching.

The Guardian - Film

Fluorescent lights, which consist of tubes filled with mercury vapour, are roughly four times more efficient.

The Economist

For fine, accurate work, process plates, which consist of a film on a backing, are preferred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The summits are heavily forested, except for the highest ones, which consist of glaciated rock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tritons, which consist of one proton and two neutrons, result from certain nuclear reactions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feathers, which consist of beta keratin, are considered to have evolved from reptilian scales (Figure 2).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure correct pronoun-antecedent agreement. The pronoun "which" should clearly refer to the noun it modifies.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "which consist of" when referring to multiple components. Ensure the verb agrees with the plural nature of the components.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which consist of" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and specifying its composition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in clarifying the elements or parts that constitute a particular entity, such as "SDGs, which consist of 17 goals...".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which consist of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that clarifies the composition of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig's examples show it's common in diverse contexts, especially science, news, and encyclopedic content. When using "which consist of", ensure that the list of components is exhaustive and clearly defined. Alternatives like "that are composed of" or "that comprise" can add variety to your writing. Remember to maintain verb agreement and use the phrase precisely to enhance clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are composed of

Passive voice focuses on the constituents rather than the act of consisting.

that are made up of

Informal and emphasizes the elements forming the whole.

that comprise

More formal and concise, directly stating what something includes.

that include

Broader term, indicating that the listed items are part of a larger set.

that encompass

Implies a comprehensive inclusion of elements.

that contain

Focuses on the presence of certain elements within something.

that are characterized by

Highlights the defining features or components.

that feature

Emphasizes specific components or aspects.

that embody

Suggests that something is a tangible or visible expression of something else.

that incorporate

Indicates that something is integrated or included as part of a whole.

FAQs

How do I use "which consist of" in a sentence?

Use "which consist of" to introduce the elements or components that make up something. For example, "The committee, "which consist of" five members, will make the final decision."

What are some alternatives to "which consist of"?

You can use phrases like "that are composed of", "that are made up of", or "that comprise" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "which consists of" instead of "which consist of"?

The correct form is "which consist of" when referring to multiple items or components. "Which consists of" would be appropriate only if referring to a single item or a singular entity.

What is the difference between "which consist of" and "which include"?

"Which consist of" implies that you are listing all the components of something. "Which include" suggests you are listing some, but not necessarily all, of the components. For example, "The salad, "which consist of" lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, is very healthy" versus "The salad, "which include" various vegetables, is a healthy choice".