What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consisted
Example
The cake consisted of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. [consisted: past tense]
Example
The committee consisted of five members. [consisted: past tense]
composed
Example
The painting was composed of various colors and brushstrokes. [composed: past tense]
Example
The symphony was composed by Beethoven. [composed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Composed is more commonly used than consisted in everyday language. Composed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while consisted is less common and is often used in more technical or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consisted and composed?
Consisted is typically associated with a more technical or formal tone, while composed can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
