Differences between Compose and Comprise
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
The words compose and comprise are verbs that describe the relationship between a whole and its constituent parts. While they have related meanings, traditional grammar guides distinguish their usage based on whether the whole or the parts are the subject of the sentence.[1][2] This distinction is a frequent topic in style guides, though some uses of "comprise" that were once considered incorrect are becoming more common.[3][4]
A traditional rule states that the whole comprises the parts, while the parts compose the whole.[1][2] For example, one might say, "The Union comprises fifty states," focusing on the whole (the Union). Conversely, one could say, "Fifty states compose the Union," which places the focus on the parts (the states).[1][5]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Compose | Comprise |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To make up or form the substance of something. | To consist of or to be made up of.[3] |
| Relationship | The parts compose the whole. | The whole comprises the parts.[4] |
| Typical Subject | The parts or constituents. | The whole entity. |
| Active Voice Example | Twelve musicians compose the orchestra. | The orchestra comprses twelve musicians. |
| Passive Voice Usage | Correct and common (e.g., "is composed of").[2] | Discouraged by many style guides (e.g., "is comprised of").[4] |
| Passive Voice Example | The orchestra is composed of twelve musicians. | The orchestra is comprised of twelve musicians. (Disputed usage) |
Usage notes[edit]
Traditional usage[edit]
According to many style manuals, the verb "comprise" means "to contain" or "to include". Following this guideline, the whole entity is the subject, and the constituent parts are the object. For example, "A standard deck of cards comprises 52 cards." The verb does not need to be followed by "of".
The verb "compose" works in the opposite direction, meaning "to form" or "to make up". In this construction, the parts are the subject and the whole is the object. For example, "Fifty-two cards compose a standard deck." This construction can also be used in the passive voice to shift the focus back to the whole: "A standard deck is composed of 52 cards."[3]
"Is comprised of"[edit]
The phrase "is comprised of" has been in use since the 18th century, but its usage is often discouraged by prescriptive grammar guides.[1] The Chicago Manual of Style describes the phrase as "nonstandard", recommending "is composed of" or "consists of" as alternatives.[4] The objection is that "comprise" already means "to be made up of", making the passive construction with "of" redundant.
Despite these objections, the use of "is comprised of" is increasingly common and appears in well-edited writing. Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster note that this usage is now more frequent than the traditional one, though they also advise that using it may attract criticism. This evolution in language shows a shift where "comprise" is often used as a synonym for "compose".
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "cdc.gov". Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "scribbr.com". Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "grammarly.com". Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "chicagomanualofstyle.org". Retrieved January 28, 2026.
- ↑ "vumc.org". Retrieved January 28, 2026.
