which constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which constitute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify elements or components that make up a whole or define a particular category. Example: "The ingredients which constitute the recipe are flour, sugar, and eggs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is these views in combination which constitute Humanism.

Independent

"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation," he said.

The New York Times

The musical phrases which constitute swing style is called licks, riffs, or get-offs.

The New Yorker

It is not a patient's crudely sensual desires which constitute the temptation.

The New Yorker

Rental apartment buildings, which constitute a majority of housing here, are mostly immune.

The New York Times

Problem is, these programs don't apply to private loans, which constitute 20% of all student debt.

The Guardian - Money

Even the sight of those tropical afternoon thunderstorms, which constitute a kind of nature-as-theater.

The New York Times

Each of the two, independently operated cabins which constitute the link carries up to 200 people.

The Guardian - Travel

Democrats, which constitute the vast majority of American Jews, were even more unfavourably disposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonliturgical services, which constitute the majority, claim to be spontaneous but are not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His images, which constitute a conversation of their own, capture the many faces of the city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which constitute" when you want to specifically identify the components or elements that compose a larger entity or concept. It provides a clear and precise way to define the parts of a whole.

Common error

Avoid using "that constitute" when the clause is non-restrictive, meaning it provides additional but not essential information. In such cases, "which constitute" is the correct choice, set off by commas. For example: 'Rental apartment buildings, which constitute a majority of housing here, are mostly immune.' Using 'that' would be grammatically incorrect here.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which constitute" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a noun phrase. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically introduces a clause that specifies the components or elements that make up a whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which constitute" functions as a relative clause, used to specify the components that form a larger whole. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical status as correct, with a very common frequency across various domains, especially science and news media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "that make up" or "that comprise", "which constitute" is often preferred in non-restrictive clauses. It is essential to avoid misusing "that constitute" in such contexts. Ludwig examples show how it contributes to clarity and precision in writing, breaking down complex subjects into their constituent parts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that make up

Replaces "which constitute" with a more direct and common expression.

that comprise

Offers a slightly more formal alternative, emphasizing inclusion.

that form

Suggests the act of creating or establishing something.

that compose

Implies arrangement or organization of elements.

which are composed of

Expands the original phrase to highlight the elements involved.

that consist of

Focuses on the elements that are included within something.

that embody

Suggests representing or expressing something in a tangible form.

that encompass

Highlights the breadth or scope of what is included.

which include

Emphasizes the elements that are part of a larger set.

which represent

Suggests symbolizing or standing for something.

FAQs

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

Use "which constitute" to specify the elements or components that make up a whole or define a particular category. For example: "The ingredients "which constitute" the recipe are flour, sugar and eggs."

What are some alternatives to "which constitute"?

You can use alternatives like "that make up", "that comprise", or "that form" depending on the context. For example, "The elements "that make up" the artwork create a powerful effect."

Is it correct to use "that constitute" instead of "which constitute"?

"Which constitute" is generally preferred for non-restrictive clauses, while "that constitute" is used in restrictive clauses. A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while a non-restrictive clause adds extra information. For example: 'The factors "that constitute" success vary by industry.'

What is the difference between "which constitute" and "which comprise"?

While both phrases indicate composition, "which constitute" emphasizes the elements forming the whole, whereas "which comprise" focuses on the whole being made up of those elements. They are largely interchangeable, but the emphasis differs slightly. For example: 'The parts "which comprise" the machine are listed in the manual.'