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The parts COMPOSE the whole.
The whole COMPRISES the parts.
COMPOSE
Compose means to make something by putting things together. We use compose when we want to list the parts of a whole. With compose, we start with the list of components and end with the name of the whole. It may be helpful to think of a composer who starts with musical notes and creates a whole symphony.
Active:
- Two forwards, two guards, and a center compose a basketball team.
- Three rooms compose the ground floor; the upstairs is reached via the outside.
Note that it is extremely common to use compose in the passive – be composed of. In this case, the ordering is reversed, and we start with the name of the whole and end with the list of the parts.
Passive:
- A basketball team is composed of two forwards, two guards, and a center.
- The ground floor is composed of three rooms: the kitchen, the living room, and the bathroom.
COMPRISE
Comprise is a formal word that means “to be made up of”. Like compose, we use comprise to list the smaller parts of a whole. When using this word, we start with the whole concept and then list all of its component parts.
Active:
- A typical essay comprises an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- The conference comprises a three-day program with a key-note speaker, presentations, posters, and exhibitions.
Passive:
Although it is increasingly common for “comprise” to be used in the passive (be comprised of), many grammarians reject this use. In formal writing, it is best not to convert “comprise” to the passive voice.
(o) A baseball team is composed of nine players.
(x) A baseball team is comprised of nine players.
(o) Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland compose the UK.
(o) The UK is composed of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
(o) The UK comprises Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.