that comprises

USAGE SUMMARY

"that comprises" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a list or a subset of something that makes up a larger whole. Example: The new library houses a vast collection of books, magazines, and online resources that comprises over 50,000 items.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is no longer a country that comprises England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Guardian

They used to, but now they live in a space that comprises three apartments.

The New Yorker

The conscious aspect is the psychosomatic whole that comprises the body and cognisant mental life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The material that comprises this excerpt is spread out over three or four hundred pages in the novel.

The New Yorker

Astronomical is a 10-volume study of the solar system in miniature that comprises 5,000 mainly black pages.

The Guardian - Arts

Just as there is no common ideology that defines populism, there is no one constituency that comprises "the people".

The Guardian

Single nucleotide polymorphisms, known as SNP's (pronounced snips), are essentially small variations in the sequence of DNA that comprises genes.

The New York Times

When one looks at the most-mentioned Twitter accounts, however a metric that comprises replies the landscape changes.

The New Yorker

She excels, in particular, at creating subtle, sophisticated gloom that comprises two contrasting moods: disquiet and serenity.

The Guardian - Music

For 50 years, the district has operated an elementary school on the reservation that comprises kindergarten through eighth grade.

The New York Times

No one doubts the expertise of a team that comprises Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleezza Rice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that comprises", ensure that the list of elements you are introducing is reasonably complete, giving a clear sense of the whole being described. For instance, "The team that comprises John, Mary, and Peter..." implies these are the core members.

Common error

Avoid using "that comprises" when a simpler phrase like "includes" or "contains" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or convoluted. Strive for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that comprises" functions as a relative clause, specifically a defining relative clause, which modifies a noun by providing essential information about it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to specify the elements that constitute a larger entity, similar to the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that comprises" is a relative clause used to define the components of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, ensure you are listing the essential elements and consider simpler alternatives if appropriate. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatile application in various domains, allowing you to use it with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that constitutes

This alternative implies that something is an essential or defining part of a larger entity.

that consists of

This alternative focuses on the elements included within something, emphasizing the components involved.

that is composed of

This alternative highlights the construction or assembly of something from various parts.

that includes

This alternative is a more general way of indicating that something is part of a larger whole, without necessarily implying that it is a defining component.

that is made up of

This alternative is an informal way of expressing that something is formed from specific components.

which encompasses

This alternative suggests a broader scope, implying that something covers or contains a wide range of elements.

that contains

This alternative is a straightforward way of stating that something holds or includes certain elements.

that incorporates

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing elements together to form a unified whole.

that embraces

This alternative suggests that something willingly includes or accepts a variety of elements.

that subsumes

This alternative suggests that something incorporates a smaller, less important element, eventually absorbing its value and/or function.

FAQs

How can I use "that comprises" in a sentence?

Use "that comprises" to introduce the elements that make up a whole. For example, "The solar system is a collection "that comprises" the sun, planets, moons, and asteroids".

What are some alternatives to "that comprises"?

You can use alternatives such as "that includes", "that consists of", or "that is composed of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "that comprises" and "that includes"?

"That comprises" suggests a more complete listing of the essential elements, while "that includes" implies that there may be other elements not mentioned.

When should I use "that comprises" instead of "that consists of"?

Use ""that comprises"" when you want to emphasize the components that make up the whole, while "that consists of" is generally used when listing all the parts of something.