comprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'comprise' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "consist of" or "include". For example: "The museum comprises various artifacts from ancient Egypt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three "courses" might comprise, say, yoghurt with fruit, then smoked salmon and cream cheese or Mexican-style eggs, then homemade cake, all beautifully served on delicate white china with white linen napkins.

The Guardian - Travel

They comprise around 50 islands and islets set in unfeasibly clear water and nestle up closely to one another.

The Guardian - Travel

This massive scheme will comprise the greatest intrusion imaginable on the London skyline.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one is likely to suffer the ill effects of this heat more than the 7.25 million slum-dwellers who've made Mumbai their home, and who comprise well over half the city's population.

The Guardian

The country's main highways, which comprise 2% of India's roads yet carry 40% of the traffic, are to be widened and improved as well.

The Guardian - Travel

His commentary in Saturday's Magyar Hirlap newspaper criticised the "politically correct western world" for advocating tolerance and understanding of Roma, who comprise 7% of Hungary's 10 million people and are often among its poorest and least educated citizens.

The Guardian

Moldovans comprise about 85% of the overall population today, and have close linguistic and cultural ties with their Romanian neighbours.

The Guardian

These funds comprise Dennehy Weller's model income portfolio.

The Guardian - Money

But since glaring omissions are inevitable given the more than 6,000 shows that comprise Letterman's body of work, be sure to leave yours in the comments below.

The Guardian - Sport

The bulk of ethnic Russians, who comprise roughly 25% of the population, are concentrated in eastern regions near the border with Russia.

The Guardian

The first phase will open in September and, when complete, will comprise 10 separate large-scale installations and more than 300 individual sculptures, designed to create a marine habitat for endemic species, in a sheltered bay near Playa Blanca.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comprise" when you want to state that a whole is made up of specific parts. Ensure the parts listed comprehensively constitute the whole.

Common error

Avoid using "comprised of". While common, many consider it grammatically incorrect. Opt for "consists of" or simply "comprises" instead.

Linguistic Context

The verb "comprise" functions to describe the composition of a whole from its parts. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "comprise" is used to indicate what elements constitute something, as in "The committee comprises a president, secretary, treasurer and five other members."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "comprise" is a verb used to indicate that something is made up of its parts. It's considered grammatically correct and is very common in writing, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates this through example sentences and confirms its acceptability. While the phrase "comprised of" is often used, it's generally recommended to use "comprise" or "consist of" for better clarity. Remember to use "comprise" when you want to express a comprehensive list of components that make up a whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist of

Emphasizes the elements that make up the whole, focusing on the parts rather than the inclusive whole.

be composed of

Similar to "consist of", highlighting the individual components that form the entirety.

be comprised of

Passive voice construction indicating the elements that make up a whole, though some consider it less preferable.

make up

Directly indicates the elements that form a whole, often used in a more informal context.

constitute

Emphasizes the act of forming or creating something, focusing on the contribution of elements.

form

Highlights the process of creating a whole from its parts, suggesting a structured arrangement.

include

Indicates that something is part of a larger group, but doesn't necessarily imply it makes up the whole.

contain

Focuses on the presence of elements within something, without necessarily defining the entire composition.

incorporate

Suggests the integration of elements into a larger structure or system.

encompass

Suggests a broader inclusion, covering a wide range of elements or aspects.

FAQs

How do I use "comprise" in a sentence?

Use "comprise" to indicate that something is made up of its parts. For example, "The committee comprises ten members."

What can I say instead of "comprise"?

You can use alternatives like "consist of", "be composed of", or "include" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "comprise" or "be comprised of"?

While "be comprised of" is commonly used, many grammar experts consider it less preferable. Opt for "comprise" or "consist of" for clearer and more grammatically sound writing.

What is the difference between "comprise" and "include"?

"Comprise" means to be made up of, implying a complete list of components. "Include" means to contain as part of a whole, without necessarily being a complete list.