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B2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

comprise

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips comprise in 30 Seconds

Explanation comprise in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'comprise' is a very advanced word that you usually won't need. However, you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'has' or 'is made of.' For example, if you have a toy box with a car, a doll, and a ball, you can say 'The box comprises three toys.' It is like saying 'The box has three toys inside it.' At this level, it is better to use simple words like 'has' or 'is for.' But if you see this word, just remember it is talking about what is inside a group or a thing. It is a word that helps us list the parts of something big. Don't worry about using it yet; just try to recognize that it means 'is made of.'

At the A2 level, you are learning how to describe things in more detail. 'Comprise' is a word you might see in a book or a museum. It means 'to be made of' or 'to have several parts.' For example, if a family has a mother, a father, and two children, you could say 'The family comprises four people.' It is more formal than saying 'There are four people in the family.' You use it when you want to be very clear about all the parts of a group. Remember: the big group comes first, and then the parts come after the word 'comprise.' It is a useful word for describing lists of things in a professional way.

At the B1 level, you should start to recognize 'comprise' in formal texts, such as news articles or school textbooks. It is a more precise way to describe the components of a system or a group. Instead of saying 'The course has ten lessons,' you can say 'The course comprises ten lessons.' This sounds more academic. A key thing to remember at this level is the structure: [The Whole] + comprise + [The Parts]. You don't need to use the word 'of' after 'comprise.' If you are describing a collection, a team, or a set of items, 'comprise' is a great word to make your English sound more mature and organized.

At the B2 level, 'comprise' is a word you should be able to use correctly in your writing. You should understand that it is used to describe a whole that is made up of specific parts. It is often used in business and technical contexts. For example, 'The committee comprises five members from different departments.' You should also be aware of the common confusion between 'comprise' and 'compose.' At this level, you should aim to use 'comprise' without the preposition 'of' in active sentences. It is an excellent word for summarizing data, describing organizational structures, and providing exhaustive lists of components in a report or essay.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'comprise.' You should be aware of the stylistic debate surrounding 'comprised of' and know that in formal, high-level writing, the active form ('The whole comprises the parts') is preferred. You should use 'comprise' to provide a definitive and exhaustive list of components. It is a powerful tool for academic writing and legal descriptions where precision is paramount. You should be able to distinguish it from 'constitute,' 'compose,' and 'include' based on the direction of the relationship and the completeness of the list. Using 'comprise' correctly demonstrates a high level of grammatical control and professional vocabulary.

At the C2 level, you should use 'comprise' with complete precision and stylistic awareness. You understand that 'comprise' essentially means 'to embrace' or 'to grasp together,' and you use it to define the boundaries of complex systems, philosophical frameworks, or legal entities. You are fully aware that 'comprised of' is considered a 'disputed' usage and you likely avoid it in favor of 'comprises' or 'is composed of' depending on the desired emphasis. Your usage of 'comprise' reflects an authoritative command of English, allowing you to describe the totality of a subject with elegance and technical accuracy. You can use it in complex sentence structures to maintain clarity in dense academic or professional discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

comprise in 30 Seconds

Comprise is a formal verb that means 'to consist of' or 'to be made up of,' used to list the parts of a whole.
It is most commonly used in professional, academic, and legal contexts to define the components of a system or group.
Grammatically, the 'whole' is the subject and the 'parts' are the object (e.g., 'The house comprises four rooms').
Avoid the common mistake of saying 'comprised of' in formal writing; the active 'comprise' is preferred by most style guides.

The word comprise is a sophisticated verb primarily used to describe the relationship between a whole and its parts. At its core, to comprise means to be made up of, to include, or to contain. It is a 'container' word that looks at a collection from the perspective of the total entity. When you use this word, you are essentially saying that the subject is the large container and the objects following it are the items inside that container. It is widely used in formal writing, technical reports, academic papers, and professional journalism to provide a precise inventory of components. Understanding this word requires a shift in perspective: while many words describe how parts make a whole, comprise describes how the whole holds the parts. It is the architectural glue of a sentence, defining the boundaries of a system or group.

The Container Rule: Think of the whole entity as a box. The box comprises the toys inside. You start with the big thing and then list the small things.
Formal Inventory: In legal documents, you might read that 'the estate comprises three properties and a trust fund.' This provides a definitive list that is considered exhaustive.
Scientific Classification: Biologists use it to define groups. For example, 'The family Hominidae comprises humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.'

The final report will comprise five distinct chapters covering the market analysis, financial projections, and risk assessments.

Our solar system comprises the Sun and all the celestial objects that orbit it, including eight planets and numerous dwarf planets.

The jury comprises twelve citizens selected from the local community to hear the evidence presented in court.

A standard deck of cards comprises fifty-two cards divided into four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.

The curriculum comprises both core academic subjects and elective vocational training programs.

In summary, using 'comprise' elevates your language, making descriptions of groups and systems sound more authoritative and precise. Whether you are describing a company's departments, the ingredients in a recipe, or the members of a musical band, 'comprise' acts as the bridge between the unified whole and its constituent parts.

Using comprise correctly requires attention to sentence structure and the direction of the relationship between the whole and the parts. The most traditional and grammatically accepted way to use 'comprise' is as an active verb where the subject is the whole and the object is the parts. This is the 'whole comprises parts' construction. For example, in the sentence 'The collection comprises ten rare paintings,' the collection (the whole) is doing the action of comprising (including) the paintings (the parts). This structure is clean, direct, and preferred in academic and formal professional contexts. It suggests a sense of completeness—that the parts listed are the only parts that exist within that whole.

Active Construction (Standard): Structure: [The Whole] comprises [The Parts]. Example: 'The apartment comprises a living room, a bedroom, and a kitchen.'
Passive Construction (Common but Debated): Structure: [The Whole] is comprised of [The Parts]. Example: 'The committee is comprised of representatives from five different nations.'
Avoid the 'Parts Comprise Whole' Error: Incorrect: 'Fifty states comprise the USA.' Correct: 'Fifty states constitute the USA' or 'The USA comprises fifty states.'

The workforce comprises full-time employees, part-time staff, and several independent contractors.

Each training module comprises a video lecture, a reading assignment, and a short quiz.

The ocean floor comprises a variety of geological features, including ridges, trenches, and plains.

When writing, ask yourself: 'Am I starting with the big picture?' If the answer is yes, 'comprise' is your tool. If you are starting with the small pieces, use 'compose' or 'make up.' For instance, 'The musicians (parts) compose the orchestra (whole),' but 'The orchestra (whole) comprises the musicians (parts).' This distinction is a hallmark of high-level English proficiency and will make your writing stand out for its clarity and technical accuracy.

You are unlikely to hear comprise in a casual conversation at a coffee shop or during a relaxed dinner with friends. Instead, 'comprise' lives in the worlds of business, law, science, and high-level journalism. It is a word of 'structure' and 'definition.' In a corporate boardroom, a CEO might explain that the company's portfolio comprises several diverse subsidiaries. In a legal setting, a judge might state that the evidence comprises several key documents and witness testimonies. It is a word that carries the weight of authority and the expectation of completeness. When someone uses 'comprise,' they are usually giving you the full picture, not just a partial list.

News and Media: News anchors often use it when discussing demographics or government structures. 'The coalition government comprises three major political parties.'
Academic Lectures: Professors use it to break down complex systems. 'The human nervous system comprises the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.'
Real Estate and Travel: Brochures use it to list amenities. 'The resort comprises fifty luxury villas, three swimming pools, and a private beach.'

The investigation comprises an extensive review of financial records spanning the last decade.

The museum's permanent collection comprises over five thousand artifacts from ancient civilizations.

In professional emails, you might see it when project scopes are defined: 'The project team comprises experts from the engineering, marketing, and legal departments.' It signals that the group is officially formed and its membership is set. Because it sounds formal, using it in a text message to a friend about who is coming to a party might sound a bit 'stiff' or overly serious, unless you are being intentionally humorous or precise.

The word comprise is one of the most frequently misused words in the English language, even by native speakers. The primary confusion arises from the similarity in meaning between 'comprise,' 'compose,' and 'consist.' Many people treat these words as interchangeable, but they have distinct grammatical rules. The most common error is the phrase 'comprised of.' While widely used in speech and even in some reputable publications, many style guides (like the AP Stylebook or The New Yorker) consider 'comprised of' to be a redundant or incorrect construction. The logic is that 'comprise' already means 'to be composed of,' so adding 'of' is like saying 'composed of of.'

Mistake 1: The 'Of' Addition: Incorrect: 'The book is comprised of ten chapters.' Correct: 'The book comprises ten chapters' or 'The book is composed of ten chapters.'
Mistake 2: Reversing the Relationship: Incorrect: 'Ten chapters comprise the book.' Correct: 'Ten chapters compose the book' or 'The book comprises ten chapters.'
Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Include': 'Include' is used for a partial list. 'Comprise' is used for a complete list. If you only list some parts, use 'include.'

Correct usage: The committee comprises seven members. (The whole is the subject).

Incorrect usage: Seven members comprise the committee. (The parts cannot comprise the whole).

To avoid these pitfalls, remember that 'comprise' is a very strong, self-contained verb. It doesn't need help from prepositions like 'of' to do its job. If you find yourself wanting to use 'of,' try switching the word to 'consist of' or 'be made up of.' This simple check will keep your writing professional and grammatically sound, especially in academic or high-stakes business environments where precision is valued.

When you want to describe how things are organized or what they are made of, you have several options other than comprise. Each has its own nuance and grammatical requirements. 'Compose' is the most frequent alternative, but it works in the opposite direction. 'Consist of' is perhaps the most versatile and common in everyday speech. 'Constitute' is very formal and often used when the parts are what give the whole its identity or legal status. 'Include' is used when you are not providing a full list, but just mentioning some of the parts. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are focusing on the whole or the parts, and how formal you want to be.

Compose: Usage: Parts compose the whole. Example: 'Hydrogen and oxygen compose water.' (Opposite direction of comprise).
Consist of: Usage: Whole consists of parts. Example: 'The team consists of four players.' This is the safest alternative to 'comprise.'
Constitute: Usage: Parts constitute the whole. Example: 'These three incidents constitute a pattern of behavior.'
Include: Usage: Whole includes [some] parts. Example: 'The price includes breakfast.' (This doesn't mean breakfast is the only thing the price covers).

The symphony comprises four movements, each with a different tempo and mood.

The symphony is composed of four movements. (Passive version of compose).

Other less common alternatives include 'encompass' (which suggests surrounding something), 'incorporate' (which suggests bringing parts into a pre-existing body), and 'contain' (which is more physical, like a jar containing cookies). By mastering these nuances, you can control the exact tone and logic of your descriptions, moving fluidly between the parts and the whole in any context.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

It shares the same root as 'comprehend.' While 'comprehend' means to grasp an idea with your mind, 'comprise' means to grasp parts together into a whole.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəmˈpraɪz/

US /kəmˈpraɪz/

The stress is on the second syllable: kum-PRIZE.

Rhymes With

size rise wise prize surmise despise advise disguise

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first syllable as 'com' (like 'computer') instead of 'kuhm'.
Adding an extra 'd' at the end when it's not past tense.
Confusing the 's' sound with a soft 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
Incorrectly placing stress on the first syllable.
Mumbling the second syllable so it sounds like 'promise'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Common in academic and professional texts; requires understanding of part-whole logic.

Writing 8/5

Difficult to use correctly without falling into the 'comprised of' trap.

Speaking 6/5

Rarely used in casual speech, making it hard to practice naturally.

Listening 5/5

Easy to recognize if the context of a list is clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

include consist part whole group

Learn Next

constitute incorporate synthesize aggregate encompass

Advanced

ontology taxonomy constituent totality integral

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

The collection (singular) comprises (singular) many items.

Transitive Verbs

Comprise requires a direct object: 'The group comprises [object].'

Active vs. Passive Voice

Active: 'The whole comprises parts.' Passive: 'The whole is comprised of parts' (disputed).

Exhaustive Lists

Use 'comprise' for a full list; use 'include' for a partial list.

Present Tense for Facts

Water comprises hydrogen and oxygen (general truth).

Examples by Level

The set comprises three pens.

The set has three pens.

Simple present tense.

The team comprises five kids.

The team has five kids.

Subject is 'The team' (singular).

My breakfast comprises an egg and toast.

My breakfast has an egg and toast.

Direct object follows the verb.

The room comprises four walls.

The room has four walls.

Describing physical parts.

The book comprises ten pages.

The book has ten pages.

Whole comprises parts.

The bag comprises two apples.

The bag has two apples.

Simple whole-part relationship.

The class comprises ten students.

The class has ten students.

Used for groups of people.

The box comprises many toys.

The box has many toys.

General plural object.

The house comprises three bedrooms and a kitchen.

The house has these rooms.

Listing specific rooms.

This meal comprises meat, rice, and salad.

The meal is made of these things.

Listing food components.

The group comprises people from many countries.

The group has people from different places.

Using 'people' as a plural part.

The collection comprises old coins and stamps.

The collection has coins and stamps.

Describing a hobby collection.

The test comprises twenty easy questions.

The test has twenty questions.

Describing an assessment.

The park comprises a lake and a playground.

The park has a lake and a playground.

Describing landscape features.

The kit comprises all the tools you need.

The kit has all the tools.

Exhaustive list implied.

The family comprises the parents and three sons.

The family has parents and three sons.

Specific family structure.

The university comprises seven different colleges.

The university is made up of seven colleges.

Formal organizational structure.

The report comprises several sections on finance.

The report has many parts about money.

Professional context.

The jury comprises twelve men and women.

The jury is made of twelve people.

Legal context.

The course comprises both theory and practice.

The course has two main parts.

Describing educational content.

The apartment comprises sixty square meters.

The apartment is sixty square meters.

Using 'comprise' for measurements (less common but possible).

The atmosphere comprises mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

Air is made of these gases.

Scientific description.

The committee comprises representatives from each department.

The committee has people from every group.

Organizational membership.

The exhibition comprises over 200 works of art.

The show has more than 200 paintings.

Describing a large collection.

The European Union comprises twenty-seven member states.

The EU has 27 countries.

Political entity description.

The property comprises a large garden and a swimming pool.

The land has a garden and a pool.

Real estate listing style.

The syllabus comprises four main modules of study.

The plan has four modules.

Educational framework.

The workforce comprises a diverse range of talents.

The workers have many different skills.

HR and business context.

The document comprises three main arguments for change.

The paper has three reasons.

Abstract components.

The play comprises three acts and an epilogue.

The play has three parts and a final part.

Literary structure.

The region comprises several distinct ecological zones.

The area has different types of nature.

Geographical/Scientific context.

The agreement comprises several clauses regarding privacy.

The contract has privacy rules.

Legal document components.

The ontological framework comprises various existential modalities.

The study of being includes different ways of existing.

High-level academic discourse.

The deal comprises a series of complex financial instruments.

The agreement is made of complicated money tools.

Sophisticated business terminology.

The curriculum comprises a synthesis of classical and modern literature.

The lessons combine old and new books.

Advanced educational theory.

The statute comprises multiple provisions for environmental protection.

The law has many parts to protect nature.

Legal and legislative language.

The ecosystem comprises a delicate balance of flora and fauna.

Nature has a careful mix of plants and animals.

Scientific precision.

The portfolio comprises high-risk stocks and stable bonds.

The investment has different types of assets.

Financial management.

The study comprises data collected over a twenty-year period.

The research uses 20 years of info.

Research methodology.

The architecture comprises elements of both Gothic and Baroque styles.

The building mixes two old styles.

Art and architectural history.

The corpus comprises a vast array of linguistic data points.

The body of text has many language examples.

Linguistic research terminology.

The treaty comprises seventeen articles delineating maritime boundaries.

The international law defines sea borders.

Formal diplomatic language.

The philosophical system comprises a dialectic between reason and emotion.

The ideas involve a tension between logic and feeling.

Abstract conceptual analysis.

The infrastructure comprises an intricate network of subterranean conduits.

The system has many underground pipes.

Technical engineering description.

The electorate comprises a heterogeneous mix of socio-economic backgrounds.

The voters are very different from each other.

Political science terminology.

The methodology comprises a longitudinal analysis of behavioral patterns.

The way of studying looks at behavior over time.

Advanced scientific research.

The narrative comprises multiple layers of intertextual references.

The story has many links to other stories.

Literary criticism.

The conglomerate comprises dozens of seemingly unrelated industries.

The big company owns many different types of businesses.

Corporate finance and strategy.

Synonyms

consist of contain include encompass constitute incorporate

Antonyms

exclude lack omit

Common Collocations

comprise a total of

largely comprise

principally comprise

comprise various

comprise several

comprise distinct

comprise members of

comprise elements of

comprise the bulk of

comprise a majority

Common Phrases

to be comprised of

— A common (though debated) way to say 'is made of'.

The group is comprised of volunteers.

comprise the whole

— To make up the entire entity.

These ten chapters comprise the whole book.

comprise a part

— To be one of several components.

This section comprises a part of the larger study.

comprise mainly of

— To have a majority of one specific thing.

The soil comprises mainly of clay.

comprise essentially

— To be fundamentally made of something.

The plan comprises essentially of three steps.

comprise specifically

— To include a very precise list.

The set comprises specifically these five tools.

comprise a range

— To include a variety of different things.

The store comprises a range of organic products.

comprise the following

— Used to introduce a list.

The package comprises the following items: a laptop, a mouse, and a bag.

comprise an area

— To cover or include a specific physical space.

The park comprises an area of ten acres.

comprise a group

— To be the members of a specific collective.

These students comprise a group of high achievers.

Often Confused With

comprise vs compose

Compose means 'parts make up the whole.' Comprise means 'whole includes the parts.' They are opposites in direction.

comprise vs consist

Consist always requires 'of.' Comprise (in its active form) should not use 'of.'

comprise vs include

Include is for partial lists. Comprise is for complete lists.

Idioms & Expressions

"comprise the backbone"

— To be the most important or fundamental part of something.

Small farms comprise the backbone of the rural economy.

metaphorical

"comprise the lion's share"

— To make up the largest part of something.

Labor costs comprise the lion's share of the budget.

idiomatic

"comprise the fabric of"

— To be the essential parts that make up a society or system.

These traditions comprise the fabric of our community.

metaphorical

"comprise the sum and substance"

— To be the entirety and the most important part.

These two points comprise the sum and substance of his argument.

formal

"comprise the core"

— To be the central and most important parts.

These three values comprise the core of our company culture.

neutral

"comprise a mosaic"

— To be many different parts that create a beautiful whole.

The city comprises a mosaic of different cultures.

literary

"comprise the front line"

— To be the parts that deal directly with a problem.

Nurses comprise the front line of the healthcare system.

metaphorical

"comprise the foundation"

— To be the base upon which something is built.

These principles comprise the foundation of our legal system.

neutral

"comprise a tapestry"

— To be a complex and varied set of parts.

History comprises a tapestry of many individual stories.

literary

"comprise the nuts and bolts"

— To be the practical, basic parts of something.

These daily tasks comprise the nuts and bolts of the job.

informal

Easily Confused

comprise vs constitute

Both describe how parts and wholes relate.

Constitute is like compose; the parts are the subject. 'Fifty states constitute the Union.'

These documents constitute the entire evidence.

comprise vs contain

Both involve holding something inside.

Contain is usually for physical objects in a container. Comprise is for members of a group or parts of a system.

The jar contains honey.

comprise vs encompass

Both suggest including things.

Encompass often suggests a boundary or a wide range of abstract things.

The festival encompasses music, art, and film.

comprise vs incorporate

Both involve including parts.

Incorporate implies adding something into an already existing whole.

We will incorporate your feedback into the final version.

comprise vs entail

Both describe what something involves.

Entail means 'to involve as a necessary consequence.'

The job entails a lot of travel.

Sentence Patterns

The [Noun] comprises [Noun].

The box comprises toys.

The [Noun] comprises [Noun] and [Noun].

The house comprises a kitchen and a room.

The [Noun] comprises [Number] [Nouns].

The team comprises eleven players.

The [Noun] comprises various [Nouns].

The collection comprises various artifacts.

The [Noun] comprises a [Adjective] [Noun].

The curriculum comprises a diverse range of subjects.

The [Noun] comprises [Noun], [Noun], and [Noun].

The corpus comprises text, audio, and video data.

A [Noun] comprising [Noun]...

A committee comprising five members met today.

It comprises no more than [Noun].

It comprises no more than a few simple rules.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in writing, less common in speech.

Common Mistakes

The team is comprised of ten players. → The team comprises ten players.
In formal writing, 'comprise' should not be used with 'of.' It is an active verb that takes a direct object.
Ten players comprise the team. → Ten players compose the team.
The parts cannot 'comprise' the whole. Only the whole can 'comprise' the parts.
The book comprises of twelve chapters. → The book comprises twelve chapters.
The preposition 'of' is redundant and grammatically incorrect when following the active verb 'comprise.'
The salad comprises lettuce, but there are other things too. → The salad includes lettuce.
'Comprise' implies a complete list. If you are only mentioning one or two ingredients, 'include' is better.
The group comprises by several experts. → The group comprises several experts.
There is no need for 'by' or any other preposition between 'comprise' and its object.

Tips

The 'Of' Test

If you are tempted to write 'of' after 'comprise,' stop! Try replacing the word with 'consist of.' If 'consist of' works, then 'comprise' (without 'of') is the correct choice for a formal tone.

Be Exhaustive

Only use 'comprise' when you are listing all the parts. If you are just giving a few examples, the word 'include' is much more appropriate and accurate.

Whole to Part

Always remember the direction: Whole -> Comprise -> Parts. If you want to go from Part -> Whole, use 'constitute' or 'compose' instead.

Use in Reports

Use 'comprise' in the 'Executive Summary' or 'Methodology' sections of your reports to define the scope of your work. It sounds very professional.

The Hug Rule

Think of the whole entity giving a big hug to all its parts. The word 'comprise' is that hug. The big thing (the hugger) comes first.

Defining Systems

In essays, use 'comprise' to define the boundaries of the system you are discussing. It tells the reader exactly what is inside your area of study.

Watch for Lists

When you hear 'comprise' in a lecture, it's a signal that a list is coming. Get ready to take notes on the individual components being mentioned.

Stress it Right

Make sure to emphasize the 'PRIZE' part of the word. Saying 'KUM-prize' correctly will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.

Avoid Redundancy

Since 'comprise' already means 'to be made up of,' saying 'comprised of' is like saying 'made up of of.' Avoiding this redundancy shows high-level skill.

Variety

Don't over-use 'comprise.' If you have already used it once in a paragraph, switch to 'consists of' or 'is made up of' to keep your writing interesting.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'COMPASS' that 'COMPRISES' all the directions. A compass is the WHOLE, and the directions are the PARTS.

Visual Association

Imagine a large circle (the whole) with many small dots (the parts) inside it. The circle 'comprises' the dots.

Word Web

whole parts include consist member group system structure

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby using 'comprise.' Make sure you start with the 'whole' hobby and then list its activities or equipment.

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'comprendre,' which comes from the Latin 'comprehendere.'

Original meaning: To 'grasp' or 'take together' (com- meaning 'together' and prehendere meaning 'to seize').

It is part of the Romance language influence on English, entering the language in the late 14th century.

Cultural Context

There are no major cultural sensitivities, but avoid using it in very informal slang contexts as it may sound out of place.

Commonly used in formal reports and news broadcasts (BBC, CNN).

The US Constitution (used to describe the powers of Congress). Scientific papers describing chemical compositions. Legal contracts defining the 'parties' involved.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Reports

The board comprises...
The portfolio comprises...
The workforce comprises...
The division comprises...

Science/Biology

The species comprises...
The substance comprises...
The system comprises...
The atmosphere comprises...

Real Estate

The property comprises...
The building comprises...
The unit comprises...
The estate comprises...

Law

The contract comprises...
The evidence comprises...
The jury comprises...
The statute comprises...

Education

The course comprises...
The exam comprises...
The syllabus comprises...
The department comprises...

Conversation Starters

"What does your typical workday comprise in terms of specific tasks?"

"If you could design a perfect meal, what ingredients would it comprise?"

"Does your local community comprise people from many different cultures?"

"What do you think a healthy lifestyle should comprise besides exercise?"

"How many different departments does your company or school comprise?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your ideal morning routine and the specific habits it would comprise.

Write about a team you have been part of. What types of skills did the team members comprise?

Reflect on your personal identity. What experiences and values comprise who you are today?

If you were to write a book about your life, what main chapters would it comprise?

Think about your favorite city. What specific landmarks and features comprise its unique character?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In strict formal writing and many style guides, yes, it is considered incorrect. However, it is very common in spoken English and even in some newspapers. If you want to be safe, use 'comprises' or 'is composed of' instead.

Yes, it is very common to use it for groups of people, such as 'The committee comprises ten members' or 'The team comprises experts from five countries.'

Use 'comprise' when you are listing every single part of the whole. Use 'include' when you are only listing some of the parts. For example, 'The meal comprises steak and chips' means that's all you get. 'The meal includes steak' means there might be other things too.

Yes, it is considered a formal or professional word. You would use it in a report, a legal document, or an academic essay, but you probably wouldn't use it while talking to your friends at a party.

Remember the 'Container Rule.' The whole is the container. The container (whole) comprises the contents (parts). The whole always comes first in the sentence.

Yes, 'comprised' is the past tense. For example, 'In 1990, the group comprised only three members.' It follows the same rules as the present tense.

Yes, 'comprising' is the present participle. It is often used in phrases like 'a group comprising five people.' It acts like 'consisting of.'

Not exactly. 'Make up' is like 'compose.' The parts 'make up' the whole. 'Comprise' is the opposite: the whole 'comprises' the parts.

Technically, no. This is a very common error. You should say 'The parts compose the whole' or 'The whole comprises the parts.'

Because science requires precision. When describing the components of a chemical or a biological group, 'comprise' tells the reader exactly what is in that group, leaving no room for confusion.