which comprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which comprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the components or elements that make up a whole. Example: "The committee consists of five members, which comprise experts in various fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The walls have disappeared behind constructions which comprise a series of grottoes, columns, shelves and cubes.

The Guardian - Arts

Names the actors which comprise the nucleus of the present company.

The New Yorker

His collected works, which comprise 23 German volumes and 10,000 pages, encompass critical theory, aesthetics and political theory.

The New York Times - Arts

Today the patchwork of loose alliances which comprise the extremist threat in north and west Africa is essential to understand".

The Guardian

A month ago, Indian multinational companies stopped their advertorials, which comprise 20% of the advertisement market in Nepal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then there are the mountains, which comprise 70% of the archipelago's land mass.

The Economist

Most species of codfishes (which comprise some 70 species of Gadiformes) migrate over long distances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His portfolio consists wholly of fixed income securities, which comprise just 22% of Harvard's endowment.

The Economist

The small, rectangular boxes are various resistors, transistors or diodes which comprise the circuit.

TechCrunch

Large clusters are also observed, which comprise the large-size structure.

Polymer

Nucleation involves the clustering of molecules of a critical size, which comprise nuclei.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which comprise" to clearly define the elements that form a complete entity. Ensure the context is appropriate, as it implies a comprehensive list.

Common error

Avoid using "which comprise" when the list of elements is not exhaustive. If the list is partial, use "which include" or "which feature" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which comprise" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about the noun it modifies. It indicates the elements that constitute or make up the referenced entity, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which comprise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a relative clause specifying the components of a whole. As noted by Ludwig, it is most common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, indicating its suitability for precise and comprehensive descriptions. Remember to use it when providing a complete listing of elements, and consider alternatives like "which consist of" or "which include" for nuanced meanings. Being mindful of these guidelines will enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which are comprised of

This is a passive voice version of the original phrase, functionally equivalent but structurally different.

which constitute

This option uses a more formal synonym of 'comprise', suitable for academic or professional contexts.

which consist of

This alternative replaces 'comprise' with 'consist of', focusing on the elements that constitute a whole.

which incorporate

This alternative highlights the integration of different elements into a unified whole.

which are composed of

This alternative emphasizes the act of being formed or created from certain components.

which include

This alternative highlights specific elements as part of a larger group, without necessarily implying a complete list.

which are made up of

This alternative stresses the components that physically constitute something.

which contain

This alternative focuses on the presence of certain elements within a defined entity.

which encompass

This alternative suggests a broader inclusion, covering various aspects or elements.

which embody

This option emphasizes the representation or expression of something abstract through concrete elements.

FAQs

How do I use "which comprise" in a sentence?

Use "which comprise" to specify the components or elements that make up a whole. For example, "The team members, which comprise experts from various fields, will lead the project."

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

"Which comprise" indicates a complete list of components, whereas "which include" suggests only a partial listing. If you're not listing all parts, use "which include".

Can I use "that comprise" instead of "which comprise"?

While both can function similarly, "which" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information. "That" is used in restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning. For clarity, "which" is generally preferred when the clause is set off by commas.

What are some alternatives to "which comprise"?

Alternatives include "which consist of", "which are composed of", or "which constitute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.