what it comprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what it comprises" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the components or elements that make up a particular subject or item. Example: "The report outlines what it comprises in terms of data sources and methodologies used for analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Exactly what it comprises is hard to figure out.

The Economist

On this view, ontology precedes interpretation: we cannot properly and fully appreciate a work, for the work that it is, without a prior determination of what it comprises.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their insight is based on know-how more than on know-what; it comprises a system view as well as expertise in individual areas.

Harvard Business Review

What does it comprise today?

Independent

What it did comprise, in summary, was fiscal and monetary discipline, opening up to foreign trade and investment, and large-scale privatisation and deregulation.To the critics, the prime exhibit in the case against the "Washington consensus" is Argentina's dreadful slump.

The Economist

To say that Pluto is an insignificant chunk of ice and rock may be true in the grand scheme of things, but meaning is not immanent in any planet or dwarf planet: it comprises what we impose on it.

The Guardian

It comprises: "What's wrong with his nose?" "Should he be that colour?" "Isn't he awfully small?" "Shouldn't you be breast-feeding?" "Did you want a boy?" "Is he a good baby?" "He looks like Churchill!/She looks like ET!" "It's really cute!"It is easy enough to see the usefulness of such tips, but they capture none of the joy which comes from the mastery of conversation.

The Economist

One participant of FG 3 commented: "Introduction is good, since it comprises suggestions about what we should pay attention to".

BMC Geriatrics

You see, in recovery, your story is comprised of what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now.

Huffington Post

The station has what it calls a "Buzz Family" comprised of listeners who, on various outlets of social media, interact with one another about upcoming concerts, getting together and hanging out, as well as things discussed on the radio show, such as Love Longer KC.

Huffington Post

New York City Ballet's spring season, which opened Tuesday, is starting with what it calls Balanchine Black & White Week, comprising a dozen of these hard-core ballets.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what it comprises" in formal writing where a more precise and sophisticated tone is desired, such as in academic papers or technical reports.

Common error

Avoid using "what it comprises" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "what it includes" or "what it's made of" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it comprises" functions as an interrogative clause or a noun phrase, typically used to inquire about the constituent parts or elements of a particular subject or concept. As Ludwig AI also explains, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what it comprises" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit somewhat uncommon in everyday language. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to inquire about the constituent parts of something, lending itself well to formal writing across academic, scientific, and news contexts. While alternatives like "what it consists of" and "what it includes" exist, understanding the subtle nuances between them enables more precise communication. By avoiding overuse in informal settings and ensuring clarity in subject definition, writers can effectively leverage "what it comprises" to convey sophistication and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it consists of

Replaces "comprises" with the more common phrase "consists of".

what it includes

Focuses on the inclusive aspect, suggesting a listing of items.

what it is composed of

Similar to "made up of", but slightly more formal.

what it is made up of

Emphasizes the components that form the whole.

what constitutes it

Inverts the structure while maintaining the core meaning.

what it contains

Highlights the elements held or accommodated within.

what it entails

Focuses on the necessary parts or consequences.

what it embodies

Suggests a representation of abstract qualities or characteristics.

what it is structured with

Emphasizes the arrangement and organization of components.

what it encompasses

Indicates a broader scope, covering all aspects or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "what it comprises" in a sentence?

You can use "what it comprises" to ask about the components or elements that make up something. For example, "The study aims to determine "what it comprises" in terms of data sources and methodologies".

What are some alternatives to "what it comprises"?

Some alternatives include "what it consists of", "what it includes", or "what it is made up of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "what it comprises of" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "what it comprises of" is redundant. The word "comprises" already implies "of", so it's best to stick with ""what it comprises"".

What is the level of formality of "what it comprises"?

"What it comprises" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "what it includes" or "what it's made of". Use it in professional or academic writing where a more sophisticated tone is appropriate.