may comprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may comprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can include or consist of certain elements or components. Example: "The committee may comprise members from various departments to ensure diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single flock may comprise tens of thousands of birds.

The Washington Post

Since they have such an extensive range, golden jackals may comprise yet more cryptic species.

The Guardian

But some experts believe Guccifer 2.0 may comprise multiple hackers of varying levels of expertise.

The Washington Post

An entire functional mammary gland may comprise the progeny from a single cell.

Nature

It may comprise one village or community, as is usual in Guatemala, or it may comprise a number of separate communities, as is usual in Mexico.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Scandinavia, where they are usually sold peeled and cooked, a pound may comprise as many as 300 shrimp.

The New York Times - Food

A plot may have a fixed or variable size or may comprise a cluster of plots.

Forest Ecology and Management

Estimates vary, but gays may comprise around 7% of America's population.

The Economist

We hypothesize that the aggregates may comprise Ca or Mg oxalates or Fe-rich precipitates secreted at the hypha surface.

Nature

The breeding of ciconiiforms tends to be in large, sometimes enormous, colonies, which may comprise a mixture of species.

Britannica

They may comprise only a few instruments that are used mainly as indicators of plant-operating conditions.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may comprise" to indicate that something is potentially composed of certain elements, but not necessarily all of them. This suggests flexibility and possibility rather than a definitive composition.

Common error

While "may comprise" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "can include", "may consist of", or "might contain" to add nuance and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may comprise" functions as a verb phrase indicating possibility or potential composition. Ludwig examples show it expressing what something could be made of or include. It is a versatile phrase used across various contexts to denote the constituents of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may comprise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is potentially composed of certain elements. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across science, news media, and encyclopedia sources. Alternatives like "can include" or "might contain" can be used for variety. Be mindful not to overuse it in formal writing to avoid redundancy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a correct and effective way to express potential composition. Using this guide will ensure correct and effective use of "may comprise" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can include

Indicates a possibility of inclusion, similar to "may comprise", but is slightly more informal.

can consist of

Emphasizes the elements that make up something, similar to "may comprise", but focuses on the components.

might be composed of

Similar to "may comprise", but emphasizes the act of being formed or constructed from specific components.

might contain

Suggests the possibility of holding something within, similar to "may comprise", but emphasizes containment.

may be made up of

Similar to "may comprise", but with an informal tone, signifying a formation from different parts.

could encompass

Implies a broader scope of inclusion than "may comprise", suggesting a comprehensive inclusion.

may be constituted by

A more formal alternative to "may comprise", highlighting the elements that legally or structurally form something.

potentially involve

Highlights the elements that are part of a process or activity, similar to "may comprise", but focuses on participation.

may embody

Suggests that something represents or exemplifies certain qualities or characteristics, similar to "may comprise", but with a focus on representation.

can embody

Suggests that something represents or exemplifies certain qualities or characteristics, similar to "may comprise", but with a focus on representation in a general tone.

FAQs

How can I use "may comprise" in a sentence?

The phrase "may comprise" indicates that something can include certain elements or components. For example, "The committee may comprise members from various departments."

What are some alternatives to "may comprise"?

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

Is it correct to say "may comprises" instead of "may comprise"?

No, "may comprises" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "may comprise". The verb "comprise" does not need to agree with a plural subject when used with "may".

What's the difference between "may include" and "may comprise"?

"May include" suggests that the listed items are only a part of the whole, whereas "may comprise" suggests that the listed items could make up the entire whole. "May include" indicates partial inclusion, while may comprise indicates potential full composition.