COMPRISE vs. COMPOSE
G'day folks,
Here are another two words that often trick us up.
The
fundamental difference between comprise and compose has to do
with the whole versus the parts of any object or concept. Let’s take a closer
look at the definitions to put this in context: comprise is a verb that
means “to include or contain” or “to consist of” as in The pie comprises 8
slices. Compose means “to be or constitute a part of element of” or
“to make up or form the basis of,” as in Eight slices compose the pie.
The key rule to remember is that the whole comprises the elements or
parts, and the elements or parts compose the whole.
Their slippery
meanings and similar sounds have likely contributed to the rise of “comprised
of.” The argument against this phrase is rooted in the definitions outlined
above. If we hold comprise strictly to the definition of “to include” or
“to consist of,” then “comprised of” sounds awkward: The pie is included of
8 pieces sounds nonsensical, and, by that rule, so too does The pie is
comprised of 8 pieces.
To keep
writers in the clear, style guides advise avoiding this construction and opting
instead for composed of, consisting of, or made up of.
However, it is worth noting that “be comprised of” is recorded in dictionaries
as synonymous with “be composed of,” and will generally get your point across
satisfactorily in informal settings.
Clancy's comment: Mm ... Nothing simple about English.
I'm ...
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