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Consist vs Contain: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Consist vs Contain: When And How Can You Use Each One?

When it comes to using the English language, it’s important to understand the nuances of certain words and how they differ from each other. Two such words that are often used interchangeably are “consist” and “contain.” While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and when to use each one.

Let’s define what each word means:

  • Consist: to be made up or composed of
  • Contain: to hold or have within

While both words deal with the idea of something being made up of other things, “consist” refers to the composition of something as a whole, while “contain” refers to what is held within something. Understanding this difference is crucial in using the right word in the right context.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and when to use each one.

Define Consist

Consist is a verb that means to be composed or made up of a particular thing or things. It refers to the essential components or elements that make up a whole. In other words, when we say that something consists of certain parts or substances, we mean that those parts or substances are necessary for the thing to exist or function properly.

For instance, a cake consists of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Without these ingredients, the cake would not be a cake. Similarly, a team consists of players, a company consists of employees, and a sentence consists of words.

Consist can also be used in the sense of being consistent or in agreement with something. For example, if someone’s behavior consists with their values, it means that their actions align with their beliefs and principles.

Define Contain

Contain is a verb that means to hold or have within a certain space or boundary. It implies that something is enclosed or enclosed within something else. When we say that something contains a particular substance or object, we mean that it has that substance or object inside it.

For example, a bottle contains water, a box contains toys, and a room contains furniture. The verb contain is often used when referring to physical objects or substances, but it can also be used in a more abstract sense.

For instance, a book can contain ideas and information, a speech can contain arguments and evidence, and a conversation can contain emotions and opinions.

It’s important to note that the verb contain doesn’t necessarily imply that the thing being contained is essential or necessary for the larger whole to exist. In other words, something can be contained within something else without being an integral part of it.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, precision is key. Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. Two words that are commonly confused are “consist” and “contain.” Here’s how to use them correctly.

How To Use “Consist” In A Sentence

The word “consist” refers to the composition or makeup of something. It is typically used to describe what something is made of or the parts that make up a whole. Here are some examples:

  • The salad consists of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • The committee consists of five members.
  • His argument consists of several flawed premises.

When using “consist” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it should be followed by “of” to indicate what something is composed of.

How To Use “Contain” In A Sentence

The word “contain” refers to holding or enclosing something within a defined space. It is typically used to describe physical objects or spaces. Here are some examples:

  • The box contains books.
  • The room contains a bed, dresser, and nightstand.
  • The report contains important information about the project.

When using “contain” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that it can be followed by either “in” or “within” to indicate the space in which something is held or enclosed.

More Examples Of Consist & Contain Used In Sentences

In order to have a better understanding of the proper usage of consist and contain, it is important to see them in action. Here are some examples of both words being used correctly in sentences:

Examples Of Using consist In A Sentence

  • The salad consists of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • The team consists of six players.
  • My wardrobe consists mostly of black and white clothing.
  • The committee consists of three members.
  • The exam consists of multiple choice questions.
  • The cake batter consists of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  • The population of the city consists mostly of young professionals.
  • His argument consists of several key points.
  • The painting consists of bold, vibrant colors.
  • The schedule consists of five classes per day.

Examples Of Using contain In A Sentence

  • The box contains a variety of chocolates.
  • The medicine bottle contains 30 pills.
  • The report contains important information about the company.
  • The backpack contains all of my school supplies.
  • The envelope contains a letter from my grandmother.
  • The storage container contains my winter clothes.
  • The book contains several chapters on history.
  • The recipe contains a list of necessary ingredients.
  • The package contains a fragile item.
  • The folder contains all of my important documents.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using consist and contain, many people make the mistake of using these two terms interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using consist and contain:

Mistake #1: Using Consist When You Mean Contain

One common mistake is using consist when you actually mean contain. For example, saying “The cake consists of flour, sugar, and eggs” is incorrect because consist refers to the nature or composition of something, while contain refers to the presence or inclusion of something. The correct sentence would be “The cake contains flour, sugar, and eggs.”

Mistake #2: Using Contain When You Mean Consist

On the other hand, using contain when you actually mean consist is also a common mistake. For instance, saying “The team contains 10 players” is incorrect because contain implies a physical space or container, while consist refers to the parts that make up a whole. The correct sentence would be “The team consists of 10 players.”

Mistake #3: Confusing Consistent With Consisting Of

Another mistake is confusing consistent with consisting of. Consistent means something that is constant or unchanging, while consisting of means the parts that make up a whole. For example, saying “The quality of the product is consisting” is incorrect because consistent should be used instead. The correct sentence would be “The quality of the product is consistent.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the differences between consist and contain. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

  • Remember that consist refers to the nature or composition of something, while contain refers to the presence or inclusion of something.
  • Use consist when referring to the parts that make up a whole, and use contain when referring to a physical space or container.
  • If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word in the appropriate context.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words consist and contain can be a tricky task, as it largely depends on the context in which they are used. Both words are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences that can affect the meaning of a sentence. Understanding the context is crucial in determining which word to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts:

1. Composition of a substance:

In this context, consist is the appropriate word to use. It refers to the parts or elements that make up a whole. For instance:

  • The cake consists of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
  • The committee consists of five members.

2. Physical space:

When referring to physical space, contain is the appropriate word to use. It refers to the capacity of a container or the area within a boundary. For instance:

  • The bottle contains 500 ml of water.
  • The box contains all the necessary tools.

3. Control or influence:

In this context, both consist and contain can be used, but they convey different meanings. Consist implies that something is made up of certain elements, while contain implies that something is within a boundary or under control. For instance:

  • The success of the project consists of hard work and dedication.
  • The manager must contain the situation before it gets out of hand.

4. Grammar:

Consist is used in the present tense, while contained is used in the past tense. For instance:

  • The report consists of five pages.
  • The report contained a lot of useful information.

Understanding the context in which consist and contain are used is essential in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using consist and contain are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to consider. Here are a few instances where the standard rules may not apply:

1. Collective Nouns

When using collective nouns, the rules for consist and contain can be a bit more flexible. This is because collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or items as a single unit. In these cases, both consist and contain can be used interchangeably.

For example:

  • The team consists of ten players.
  • The team contains ten players.

2. Passive Voice

In some cases, the passive voice can be used to avoid choosing between consist and contain. This is because the focus of the sentence is not on the subject performing the action, but rather on the action itself.

For example:

  • The cake is composed of flour, sugar, and eggs. (passive voice)
  • The cake consists of flour, sugar, and eggs. (active voice)

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are also some idiomatic expressions that use consist or contain in a way that may not follow the standard rules. These expressions have a specific meaning that may not be related to the literal definitions of the words.

For example:

  • The package contained a surprise. (literal meaning)
  • The package consisted of a surprise. (idiomatic meaning – the surprise was the only thing in the package)

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not always applicable, and it’s generally best to stick to the standard rules for using consist and contain. However, understanding these exceptions can help you better navigate situations where the rules may not be as clear-cut.

Practice Exercises

Learning the difference between consist and contain can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either consist or contain:

  1. The cake ________ of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  2. The committee ________ of five members.
  3. The bag ________ my phone, wallet, and keys.
  4. The book ________ ten chapters.
  5. The soup ________ vegetables and broth.

Answer Key:

  1. The cake consists of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  2. The committee consists of five members.
  3. The bag contains my phone, wallet, and keys.
  4. The book contains ten chapters.
  5. The soup contains vegetables and broth.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

  1. The salad ________ of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • A. consists
  • B. contains
  • The box ________ my old clothes.
    • A. consists
    • B. contains
  • The team ________ of eleven players.
    • A. consists
    • B. contains
  • The bottle ________ water and lemon juice.
    • A. consists
    • B. contains
  • The essay ________ of five paragraphs.
    • A. consists
    • B. contains

    Answer Key:

    1. The salad consists of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
    2. The box contains my old clothes.
    3. The team consists of eleven players.
    4. The bottle contains water and lemon juice.
    5. The essay consists of five paragraphs.

    By practicing exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of consist and contain in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a pro!

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, understanding the difference between “consist” and “contain” is crucial for effective communication in both written and spoken language. The two words may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings that can greatly affect the clarity and accuracy of your message.

    Key Takeaways:

    • “Consist” refers to the composition or makeup of something, while “contain” refers to the presence or inclusion of something within a larger whole.
    • Using “consist” when you mean “contain” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, especially in technical or scientific writing.
    • When in doubt, consult a reputable grammar guide or style manual to ensure proper usage of these and other commonly confused words.

    As language and grammar continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed and continue learning. Whether you’re a professional writer or simply someone who wants to communicate effectively, understanding the nuances of language use can make a big difference in how your message is received.