to be comprised of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be comprised of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the components or elements that make up a whole. Example: "The committee is to be comprised of five members, each representing a different department."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Juries are not meant to be comprised of 12 Jeremy Clarkson think-alikes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever it has to be comprised of, we will have a team in the 2012 Olympics," Triesman said.

The Guardian - Sport

Given that an alternative Irish government is likely to be comprised of Fine Gael and Labour, the prospect of a referendum on abortion could prove divisive.

The Guardian

If the trailers for the sixth and final series are any indication, the whole thing is going to be comprised of nothing but endless weeping and John Lewis ballad covers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We don't yet know what the Israeli government is going to look like and we don't yet know what the future shape of Palestinian leadership is going to be comprised of.

The Guardian

In a speech delivered last April, Labor leader Bill Shorten said future​ party conferences needed to be comprised of a "mix of people" and local Labor members needed to be given a "meaningful say in the selection of Senate candidates".

The Guardian

After briefly considering him for Treasury secretary, Mr. Obama instead asked Mr. Volcker to lead the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, a new panel to be comprised of leading figures from a variety of business sectors.

The New York Times

As a result, she said, the population of Internet users abroad is more likely to be comprised of technology's early adopters, who might be more prone to use a service like Napster.

The New York Times

Since then, I have reviewed all the religious textbooks used in Saudi schools several times and found them to be comprised of medieval ideological indoctrination instead of offering a modern education that would prepare the student for the workplace.

The Guardian - Opinion

A reshuffle is also on the cards although officials are now saying Samaras' intention is to create the committee, to be comprised of nine members – three from each party – first.

The Guardian - Business

These ribbons appear to be comprised of aggregates of nanoparticles.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of something, ensure the components listed are exhaustive or clearly indicate if the list is partial (e.g., '...is comprised of X, Y, and Z, among others').

Common error

Avoid using "is comprised of" when you only intend to list some, but not all, components. Use "includes" or "features" instead to indicate a non-exhaustive list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be comprised of" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It indicates the components or elements that constitute a whole. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase helps to define the composition of a subject, whether it's a committee, a team, or a scientific structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be comprised of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the composition of something. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase is widely accepted and particularly common in science, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, remember to use it accurately, ensuring you list all components or clarify if the list is partial. Ludwig confirms that the best alternatives are "to consist of" and "to be made up of" depending on the context, but be cautious about implying an incomplete list when using "to be comprised of."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to consist of

This is a more direct and common alternative, suitable for most contexts.

to be composed of

A slightly more formal synonym, often used in technical or descriptive writing.

to be made up of

An informal alternative, emphasizing the act of forming something from its parts.

to be constituted by

A formal and precise option, suitable for legal or official documents.

to include

A simpler way to indicate that something is part of the whole, without necessarily being exhaustive.

to be formed from

Focuses on the process of creation, emphasizing the materials used.

to encompass

Implies a broader inclusion, covering all aspects or elements.

to integrate

Implies the components are combined to form a cohesive whole.

to feature

Highlights specific elements as prominent or noteworthy components.

to embody

Suggests that the components are integral and representative of the whole.

FAQs

What is the difference between "to be comprised of" and "to consist of"?

While similar, "to be comprised of" and "to consist of" are not always interchangeable. "To consist of" means to be made up entirely of something, while "to be comprised of" can sometimes imply a partial listing, though it's often used synonymously. In most cases, "to consist of" is a safer choice for clarity.

Can I use "comprised of" to list only some of the components?

It's best to avoid using "to be comprised of" if you are not listing all the components. Instead, use phrases like "to include" or "to feature" to indicate that you're providing a partial list.

What are some formal alternatives to "to be comprised of"?

Formal alternatives include "to be composed of" and "to be constituted by". These options are suitable for academic or legal writing.

Is "comprised of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "to be comprised of" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, some style guides prefer "to consist of" or "to be made up of" due to perceived clarity issues. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on its analysis of real-world usage.