which consists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which consists" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a description of the components or elements that make up a particular subject or entity. Example: "The committee is composed of several members, which consists of experts in various fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a very simple two part dessert which consists of two slices of paste and cheese.

Huffington Post

It differs from a conglomerate, which consists of rounded clasts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adactus now manages approximately 97 units, which consists of shared ownership and outright sale properties.

The Guardian

Clements's enterprise is hobbled by an untenable idea of genius -- which consists of more than precocity.

The New York Times - Books

The property, which consists of two lots, has views of the Cathedral Group of the Tetons.

The New York Times - Travel

Bianca demonstrates her "wrestling move," which consists of punching her brother hard in the groin.

The New York Times

She oversaw the family's private tourism business, Parmatour, which consists of travel agencies, hotels and resorts.

The New York Times

Take Mischa Kuball's "Hitler's Cabinet," which consists of a large plywood cross.

The New York Times - Arts

"I belong to the school of acting which consists of doing nothing in particular.

The Guardian - Film

Apparently there have been improvements in the synthetic formula, which consists of foam, adhesive and paint.

The New York Times

The Strulovitch/Shylock material, which consists mostly of talking and thinking, is where the novel excels.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which consists", ensure that the items listed are indeed the components or members of the subject being described. Avoid using it when simply providing examples or supplementary information.

Common error

Avoid using "which consists" in non-defining clauses if the information is not essential to understanding the sentence. In such cases, consider using "and it consists of" or restructuring the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which consists" functions as a relative clause introducing information about the composition of a noun. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies the elements or components that constitute a particular entity or concept. This provides detailed clarification regarding the nature of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which consists" is a versatile phrase used to define the components or elements of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "that comprises" and "that includes" exist, "which consists" specifically emphasizes the constituents that make up the whole. When writing, ensure you accurately list the elements, and avoid using it in non-essential, non-defining clauses. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "which consists" to provide clear and informative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that comprises

Uses a different verb to indicate inclusion, maintaining a formal tone.

that is composed of

Emphasizes the act of forming something from its components.

that includes

Offers a broader scope, suggesting the mentioned items are part of a larger group.

that is made up of

A more informal alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

that contains

Indicates the presence of specific items within a whole.

that encompasses

Implies a more comprehensive inclusion, covering all aspects or elements.

that incorporates

Suggests a blending or integration of different elements.

that features

Highlights specific characteristics or prominent elements.

that entails

Focuses on what something necessarily involves or implies.

that embodies

Highlights essential qualities or characteristics, acting as a symbol.

FAQs

How can I use "which consists" in a sentence?

Use "which consists" to specify the components or elements that make up a particular item or entity. For example, "The team, which consists of five members, is responsible for the project."

What are some alternatives to "which consists"?

You can use alternatives such as "that comprises", "that includes", or "that is composed of depending on the context.

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

While "which consists" is common in non-restrictive clauses, "that consists" can be used in restrictive clauses. However, "which consists" is generally preferred for clarity and readability in most contexts.

What's the difference between "which includes" and "which consists"?

"Which includes" suggests that the listed items are part of a larger set, whereas "which consists" implies that the listed items are all the elements that make up the whole. Use "which includes" when you want to give examples, and "which consists" when you want to be exhaustive.