# be made up of sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-made-up-of-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be formed from several different parts or people.

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

## Examples

- The team is made up of five experts.
- The atmosphere is made up of several different gases, including nitrogen and oxygen.
- The committee is made up of representatives from various departments, ensuring that every perspective is considered during the final decision-making process.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The cake is made up by flour and eggs." but "The cake is made up of flour and eggs." — the preposition 'of' is required to indicate the components of the whole.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.