which consists of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which consists of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when introducing a list of items or elements that make up a whole. For example: "My duties included managing customer service, which consists of responding to emails, resolving customer issues, and providing feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Genera include Orthohepadnavirus, which consists of hepatitis B viruses that infect mammals, and Avihepadnavirus, which consists of hepatitis B viruses that infect birds.

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

The Nooscope, which "consists of a network of space scanners," scopes out the noosphere.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which consists of" to introduce a list of essential components or elements that define a subject. This helps to provide a clear and detailed explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "which consists of" when the items listed are merely examples or non-essential additions. If you are providing a non-exhaustive list, consider using phrases like "which includes" or "such as" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which consists of" functions as a relative clause that modifies a noun or noun phrase by specifying its components or elements. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples illustrating its role in defining the composition of various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which consists of" is a versatile relative clause used to detail the components or elements of a subject. Grammatically correct and highly frequent, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "which includes" and "which is composed of" exist, "which consists of" is best used for complete, essential listings. Remember to avoid using it for non-essential examples to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. This phrase helps define and clarify subjects, making it an essential tool for detailed explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is composed of

Replaces "consists" with "is composed", emphasizing the act of forming something.

that is comprised of

A passive construction emphasizing the elements that form a whole.

comprising

A more formal synonym for "consisting of", indicating the elements that make up a whole.

that is made up of

Uses a more informal tone, highlighting the elements that constitute something.

that encompasses

Emphasizes the broad scope of what something includes.

which includes

Focuses on the inclusion of certain elements within a larger group.

which incorporates

Focuses on the integration of different elements into a unified whole.

containing

Highlights the presence of specific elements within something.

which features

Highlights the prominent or notable components of something.

that embodies

Indicates that something represents or exemplifies certain elements.

FAQs

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

Use "which consists of" to introduce the specific components or elements that make up a whole. For example, "The solar system, "which consists of" the sun and its orbiting planets, is vast."

What are some alternatives to "which consists of"?

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

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

While "which consists of" is commonly used in nonrestrictive clauses, "that consists of" can be used in restrictive clauses where the information is essential to identifying the noun it modifies. For example: "A team "that consists of" dedicated members is more likely to succeed."

What is the difference between "which consists of" and "which includes"?

"Which consists of" implies a complete list of components, while "which includes" suggests a partial list or examples. If you want to be exhaustive, use "which consists of"; if you're providing examples, use "which includes".