--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing
(Text-only version of Quirks of English)
Comprise is often used as a synonym for compose, especially in the passive:
The team is comprised of scientists and engineers from the Materials Division and Structures and Acoustics Division.
Even though compose and comprise both indicate what the
whole contains, this usage is frowned on by many writers. Here's the
problem: Comprise literally means "is made up of," so
"The team is comprised of" literally means "The team is
made up of of." Avoid this problem by applying the reliable
dictum "the whole comprises the parts, the parts compose
the whole."
Use comprise, comprises, and comprised where you
could use contain, contains, and contained,
respectively.
The team comprises (or contains) scientists and engineers
from the Materials Division and Structures and Acoustics Division.
Use compose and composed of where you could use make up and made up of, respectively.
The team is composed of (made up of) scientists and engineers from the Materials Division and Structures and Acoustics Division.
Include is frequently used as a synonym for comprise, compose, or contain. However, it is best to reserve include for phrases that mention only some of the parts.
The team includes engineers from the Materials Division.
When all the members, parts, or contents are given, use comprise, compose, or contain. When comprise or compose is used, readers will expect a complete list.
This bibliography comprises all the works published by the authors in 1996 and 1997. (References from other authors and other years are not included.)
When include is used, readers will usually expect only a partial list. When contain is used, readers will not be surprised by either a partial or complete list.
This bibliography includes (or contains) all the works published by the authors in 1996 and 1997. (References from other authors and other years are (or may be) included.)
An exception would be sentences that don't include lists, like the following:
We want to include all the major research highlights from 1998 in this presentation.
This does not necessarily mean that topics other than major research highlights from 1998 will be included. Instead, include is being used for emphasis. The writer is emphasizing the inclusion of each of the major highlights in the presentation.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009