which constitutes

USAGE SUMMARY

'which constitutes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that makes up part of a whole. For example, "This agreement outlines the terms of the partnership, which constitutes the full agreement between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Each of which constitutes a war crime".

The Guardian

Indeed, it is this which constitutes its retro-romantic charm.

The Guardian - Arts

A prime minister heads the cabinet, which constitutes the executive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief city of the county is Dundee, which constitutes a separate council area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The station has argued it has done nothing which constitutes an offence.

The Guardian

Diamond cutting and polishing, which constitutes one of Israel's most important industries, is centred there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The compound is typically a cluster of huts, each of which constitutes a separate household.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yard waste, which constitutes one-third of the waste stream from April through December, represents recycling's next frontier.

The New York Times

When the ball is rotated the surface segment, which constitutes one electrode, is continuously being replaced by surface arriving from the segment, which constitutes the other electrode.

Electrochimica Acta

When I speak of a cognitive relation here, I do not mean the sort of relation which constitutes judgment, but the sort which constitutes presentation" (1911, 209).

SEP

The two like Altera now, which constitutes about 6.5% of their portfolio.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which constitutes" to clearly define what something is composed of or equivalent to within a sentence. It helps specify the elements or characteristics that are essential to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "that constitutes" when "which constitutes" is appropriate. "Which" introduces non-restrictive clauses (additional, non-essential information), while "that" introduces restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning of the sentence). If the clause can be removed without changing the core meaning, use "which".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which constitutes" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies. It defines or explains what something is comprised of. As Ludwig AI also points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which constitutes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in formal writing across science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a relative clause to provide additional, non-essential information about the composition or nature of something. When writing, remember to use "which constitutes" when the information is non-restrictive and could be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence, using alternatives like "that comprises" or "that makes up" if a different emphasis is desired. Avoid the common error of using "that constitutes" when "which" is more appropriate to maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that comprises

Focuses on composition rather than the essential nature of something.

that forms

Emphasizes the act of creation or formation.

that makes up

Highlights the components contributing to a whole.

that represents

Stresses the symbolic or indicative role.

that embodies

Suggests an abstract representation or exemplification.

that is equivalent to

Emphasizes equality or interchangeability.

that amounts to

Focuses on the total or cumulative effect.

that equates to

Highlights the act of establishing equality.

that is defined as

Emphasizes a formal or explicit definition.

that is considered

Focuses on perception or judgment.

FAQs

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

Use "which constitutes" to introduce a non-essential clause that defines or explains a part of something. For example, "The executive branch, "which constitutes" the presidency and cabinet, is responsible for enforcing laws".

What are some alternatives to "which constitutes"?

You can use alternatives like "that comprises", "that forms", or "that makes up" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "which constitutes" or "that constitutes"?

"Which constitutes" should be used for non-restrictive clauses, providing extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning. "That constitutes" would be used if the information is essential to defining the subject. However, 'which' is generally preferred for this construction.

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

"Which constitutes" suggests that the listed items form the complete makeup of something, while "which includes" implies that the listed items are only some of the components.