which consisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which consisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the composition of an object, action, or idea. For example: The cake, which consisted of chocolate and vanilla layers, was a hit at the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a) which consisted of pars.

Cornell University

(b) which consisted of pars.

Cornell University

(4) which consisted of subpars.

Cornell University

Phase I, which consisted of 21 homes, is sold out.

The New York Times

I was offered grief counselling, which consisted of six sessions.

The Guardian - Opinion

By now we were at the party, which consisted predominantly of playwrights.

The Guardian - Books

They would come to him with a song, which consisted simply of a conventional chorus.

The Guardian - Music

Then on to the Ucas convention, which consisted of us walking round laden with glossy prospectuses.

The Guardian

Russell and Briggs acknowledged that the "Creed," which consisted of sixty "items," wasn't exactly succinct.

The New Yorker

Nothing unusual about it except the salutation, which consisted, simply and sweetly, of one word, "Dear".

The New Yorker

There he shared the student diet, which consisted of such things as ogusi soup, pawpaw & fufu.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which consisted of" to provide a clear and complete description of the components or elements that make up something. Ensure the list that follows is exhaustive if you want to convey a complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "which consisted of" if you are only providing a partial list of elements. In such cases, "which included" might be more appropriate to indicate that there are other, unmentioned components.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which consisted" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig shows that this phrase introduces a list of components or elements, describing what something is composed of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which consisted" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed relative clause used to describe the composition of a noun. As verified by Ludwig, its primary function is to provide additional details about the elements constituting a subject. It finds frequent application across News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it a versatile expression across various registers. Ludwig provides valuable examples, reinforcing its correct usage. When employing "which consisted", it's advisable to ensure that the enumeration is exhaustive; otherwise, opting for phrases like "which included" might prove more appropriate. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage "which consisted" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which comprised

This emphasizes the act of forming or composing something.

which included

This suggests that the listed items are part of a larger, potentially unlisted set.

which was made up of

This highlights the elements that combine to form the whole.

which was composed of

This is a more formal way of saying "which was made up of".

which entailed

This focuses on what the object or event necessarily involved or implied.

which involved

This highlights the actions or elements present within the object or event.

which incorporated

This stresses that certain elements were included or integrated into the whole.

which featured

This emphasizes the prominent or notable aspects of the object or event.

which presented

This shifts focus to what was offered or displayed by the object or event.

which embodied

This suggests that the object or event was a tangible expression or representation of something.

FAQs

How do I use "which consisted" in a sentence?

Use "which consisted" to introduce a list of items or elements that make up a whole, for example, "The committee, "which consisted" of three members, made the final decision".

What are some alternatives to "which consisted"?

Alternatives include "which comprised", "which included", or "which was made up of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that consisted" instead of "which consisted"?

While both can sometimes be used, "which" is generally preferred in nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning). "That" is used in restrictive clauses. For example, "The meal that consisted of leftovers wasn't very appealing" uses "that" because the description is essential.

What's the difference between "which consisted of" and "which included"?

"Which consisted of" implies a complete listing of all parts, while "which included" suggests only a partial listing. Use "which included" when you want to highlight some items without implying they are the only ones.