When it comes to English grammar, prepositions can often lead to confusion, especially when they change the meaning of phrases.
Two such phrases, “consist in” and “consist of,” are frequently misused or misunderstood.
“Consist in” refers to the essence or main part of something, while “consist of” describes the components or elements that make up something.
This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the differences between these two phrases, providing you with clear explanations, examples, and practical tips to use them correctly.

Consist In Or Consist Of
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Consist In | Refers to the essence or main point | “Happiness consists in contentment.” |
Consist Of | Refers to components or parts | “The team consists of ten members.” |
Core Meanings of “Consist In” and “Consist Of”
“Consist in” implies that the essence or main part of something lies in a particular aspect.
It highlights what something fundamentally is.
Example:
Happiness consists in contentment.
“Consist of” refers to the elements or components that make up something.
It details the parts that form the whole.
Example:
The committee consists of ten members.
Understanding these core meanings helps in grasping their proper usage in various contexts.
How Prepositions Change the Meaning
Prepositions significantly influence the meaning of phrases.
In the case of “consist in” and “consist of,” the prepositions “in” and “of” direct our understanding differently.
- “In” denotes something internal or inherent.
- “Of” indicates composition or components.
Examples:
- Consist in: The success of the project consists in the dedication of the team.
- Consist of: The team consists of engineers, designers, and managers.
Gaining Clarity: When to Use “Consist In”
“Consist in” is used when referring to the main substance or essence of something.
It’s less common than “consist of,” but it’s essential for precise expression in certain contexts.
Examples:
- The beauty of the artwork consists in its simplicity.
- True education consists in learning to think critically.
Common Mistakes:
- Incorrect: The book consists in ten chapters.
- Correct: The book consists of ten chapters.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures clear and accurate communication.
Breaking Down “Consist Of”: Usage and Examples
“Consist of” is widely used to describe the parts or elements of something. It’s common in both written and spoken English.
Examples:
- The recipe consists of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
- Her daily routine consists of exercise, work, and relaxation.
Contexts:
- In Formal Writing: The survey consists of multiple-choice questions.
- In Informal Speech: The party consists of just close friends.
The Commonality of “Consist Of” in English
“Consist of” is much more prevalent in English than “consist in.” This is because we often describe the components of objects, groups, and ideas.
Reasons for Prevalence:
- Clarity: It clearly describes parts or elements.
- Versatility: Used in various contexts, from recipes to organizational descriptions.
Exploring the Usage Frequency: “Consist In” vs “Consist Of”
Analyzing usage frequency provides insight into how often these phrases appear in English.
Statistical Analysis:
- “Consist of” appears significantly more in everyday language and literature.
- “Consist in” is less common, typically used in philosophical or abstract contexts.
Trends in Contemporary English:
- Educational Texts: “Consist in” is often used in academic writing.
- Everyday Communication: “Consist of” dominates in general communication.
“Consist”: Conjugation and Correct Verb Forms
Understanding the correct verb forms is crucial for proper usage.
Conjugation Table: “Consist In” vs. “Consist Of”
Tense | Consist In Example | Consist Of Example |
---|---|---|
Present | Happiness consists in simple pleasures. | The team consists of experts. |
Past | The solution consisted in teamwork. | The recipe consisted of five ingredients. |
Future | Success will consist in perseverance. | The project will consist of several phases. |
Tips for Remembering:
- Think of “in” as indicating something internal.
- Think of “of” as indicating parts or elements.
Diving into Sentences: Examples of “Consist In”
Providing practical examples helps in understanding the correct usage of “consist in.”
Real-Life Examples:
- Philosophical Texts: True happiness consists in self-awareness.
- Academic Writing: The theory consists in its application to real-world problems.
Breakdown:
- Sentence Structure: Subject + Verb + Prepositional Phrase.
- Analysis: Focus on the essence or main point.
Exemplifying “Consist Of” in Everyday Language
“Consist of” appears frequently in daily communication.
Everyday Examples:
- Cooking: The dish consists of rice, beans, and spices.
- Work: Her job consists of managing projects and leading a team.
Breakdown:
- Sentence Structure: Subject + Verb + Prepositional Phrase.
- Analysis: Focus on components or parts.
Synonyms and Alternatives for “Consist Of”
To enhance your writing, using synonyms and alternatives can be helpful.
Synonyms:
- Comprise: The book comprises several chapters.
- Include: The package includes three items.
- Contain: The box contains various tools.
Contextual Examples:
- Formal: The team comprises experts from various fields.
- Informal: The meal includes pasta and salad.
Other Prepositions Paired With “Consist”
Besides “in” and “of,” “consist” can pair with other prepositions.
Examples:
- Consist with: The findings consist with previous research.
- Consist on: Less common but used in specific contexts.
Usage Scenarios:
- Consistency: The results consist with our expectations.
- Specific Contexts: His duties consist on overseeing operations.
How “Consist With” Differs from “Consist In” and “Consist Of”
“Consist with” has a different implication, often related to consistency or agreement.
Definition and Usage:
- Definition: To be in agreement or harmony with.
- Example: His actions consist with his words.
Comparative Analysis:
- “Consist In”: Refers to essence or main point.
- “Consist Of”: Refers to components or parts.
- “Consist With”: Refers to agreement or consistency.
Examples to Highlight Differences:
- Consist In: True joy consists in giving.
- Consist Of: The kit consists of tools and manuals.
- Consist With: His story consists with the evidence.
People Questions
What is the difference between “Consist In” and “Consist Of”?
“Consist In” refers to the essence or main point, while “Consist Of” refers to the components or parts.
When should I use “Consist In”?
Use “Consist In” when discussing the fundamental nature or essence of something.
Is “Consist Of” more commonly used?
Yes, “Consist Of” is more common in everyday language to describe components or parts.
Can “Consist In” and “Consist Of” be used interchangeably?
No, they have different meanings and should be used in specific contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “consist in” and “consist of” enhances your English writing and speaking skills.
Remember:
- “Consist in” highlights the essence or main point.
- “Consist of” details the components or parts.
By understanding and practicing these phrases, you can communicate more clearly and effectively.