ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be made up of sth

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to be formed from several different parts or people.

phr. v.. to be composed of or constituted by specific elements or members; typically used in the passive voice to describe the structure of a whole.


SIMPLE

The team is made up of five experts.

CONTEXTUAL

The atmosphere is made up of several different gases, including nitrogen and oxygen.

COMPLEX

The committee is made up of representatives from various departments, ensuring that every perspective is considered during the final decision-making process.

Particles
up of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
be + made + up + of + object
Usage

almost always used in the passive form with 'be' and followed by the preposition 'of'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'consist of' (active voice) and 'comprise' (formal); 'be made up of' is the most common way to describe composition in neutral speech.

Pitfall

The cake is made up by flour and eggs.The cake is made up of flour and eggs.the preposition 'of' is required to indicate the components of the whole.

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