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What is the correct version: "The system is composed from a lattice and a line" or "The system is composed of a lattice and a line" ?

When should I use composed of and when should I use composed from? Is one of them always correct, or are there rules affecting which one to use?

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Composed of is standard from my experience. Composed from is generally only used when the from is a preposition, not a phrasal verb particle, e.g. His works were composed from 1885-1924, or when there is some other such contextual situation. – Daniel δ Feb 5 '12 at 1:56
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Neither composed of nor composed from is a phrasal verb. They're just prepositions. – John Lawler Feb 5 '12 at 2:02

2 Answers

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We almost always use composed of, and not composed from:

“composed of” versus “composed from” chart

We refer to something's makeup (composed, made up) with the preposition of, which has a standard meaning that includes composition. Of is even used all by itself to mean composed of: "a ring of silver and gold".

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thanks for adding the chart image! – Mark Beadles Feb 5 '12 at 4:28
Just curious: Does it also means that I should say "a house build of stone" instead of "a house build from stone"? – j0ker5 Feb 5 '12 at 11:02
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First, it's "a house built", not "a house build". "Built of" is found more often than "built from", but either one is OK. "Built from" has been rising in usage. – Mark Beadles Feb 5 '12 at 16:03
up vote 1 down vote

Usual collocation is "of". It may read "consist of" E.g:

Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.

Please check compose.

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Each is awkward, in my opinion. Instead consider "the system comprises lattice and line." – Pete Wilson Feb 5 '12 at 11:37
@Pete Wilson: you can't leave out articles like that. "The system comprises a lattice and a line."" – Peter Shor Feb 5 '12 at 15:45

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