Composes vs. Comprises – Which is Correct?

The key difference between “composes” and “comprises” lies in their direction. “Comprises” means “consists of” or “includes,” where the whole contains its parts. “Composes” means “makes up” or “forms,” where the parts create the whole. Both are correct, but used in opposite constructions.

Composes or Comprises – Which is Correct?

Both “composes” and “comprises” are grammatically correct verbs in American English, but they have distinct meanings and are often misused interchangeably. The confusion arises because they both relate to the idea of parts forming a whole, but they approach this relationship from opposite perspectives. A helpful mnemonic is to remember that “comprises” means “contains,” while “composes” means “creates.” You can often swap “comprises” with “consists of” or “includes,” and “composes” with “makes up” or “forms.”

Similarly, understanding the subtle distinction between apart and a part is crucial for precise communication.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Composes	Verb	To form or constitute (parts make up the whole); to create (music, art).	Eight musicians compose the orchestra.
Comprises	Verb	To consist of; to include (the whole contains the parts).	The orchestra comprises eight musicians.

How to Use Composes

“Composes” means “to form by putting together,” “to constitute,” or “to create.” When something “composes” another thing, it means it is a part of that larger entity, or it is the act of creating that entity. It often implies an active role in forming something. It is also the standard verb for creating music, poetry, or other artistic works. The tone is generally neutral to formal.

Example 1: The various sections of the report compose a comprehensive overview.

Example 2: She spent years learning to compose intricate symphonies.

Example 3: Oxygen and hydrogen compose water.

What are the different forms of Composes?

The verb “compose” follows regular conjugation patterns:

• Base form: compose
• Third-person singular present: composes
• Present participle: composing
• Past tense: composed
• Past participle: composed

Etymology of the word Composes

The word “compose” comes from Old French composer, meaning “to put together, arrange,” which itself derives from Latin componere, meaning “to put together, collect, form, construct.” This origin clearly reflects its meaning of parts forming a whole or the act of creation.

How to Use Comprises

“Comprises” means “to consist of,” “to include,” or “to embrace.” When something “comprises” other things, it means the whole entity contains those parts. It implies that the listed items are the full extent of the whole. It is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. The phrase “is comprised of” is generally considered redundant or incorrect by traditional grammarians; instead, use “comprises” or “is composed of.” The tone is typically formal.

Example 1: The United States comprises fifty states.

Example 2: His diet comprises fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Example 3: The committee comprises representatives from three different departments.

What are the different forms of Comprises?

The verb “comprise” follows regular conjugation patterns:

• Base form: comprise
• Third-person singular present: comprises
• Present participle: comprising
• Past tense: comprised
• Past participle: comprised

Etymology of the word Comprises

“Comprise” comes from Old French compris, the past participle of comprendre, meaning “to comprehend, include, understand.” This, in turn, comes from Latin comprehendere, meaning “to seize, grasp, include.” Its etymology supports the meaning of encompassing or including parts within a whole.

Related Concepts

Understanding the difference between “composes” and “comprises” often comes down to recognizing the active versus passive voice, or more simply, which element is the “whole” and which are the “parts” in a given sentence. “Comprises” typically places the whole as the subject, followed by its parts as the object (e.g., The book comprises chapters.). “Composes” can be used similarly, with the parts as the subject and the whole as the object (e.g., Chapters compose the book.), or in the passive voice (e.g., The book is composed of chapters.). The key is to avoid using “comprised of,” as it incorrectly mixes the active “comprises” with the passive “is composed of.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “A nation comprises its citizens, its land, and its shared history.” – General usage
• “The author carefully composes each sentence, ensuring clarity and impact.” – Describing the act of creation
• “The universe comprises billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars.” – Scientific context
• “The orchestra was thrilled to perform the new piece that the young prodigy had composed.” – Referring to musical creation
• “The human body comprises various organ systems working in harmony.” – Biological description

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The committee ____ five members. (composes / comprises)
2. The five members ____ the committee. (compose / comprise)
3. She likes to ____ music in her free time. (compose / comprise)
4. The document ____ several key sections. (composes / comprises)
5. Water ____ hydrogen and oxygen. (composes / comprises)

Answer Key

1. comprises
2. compose
3. compose
4. comprises
5. comprises (or: is composed of)

Composes Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Form	To bring into being; to constitute.
Constitute	To be (a part) of a whole.
Create	To bring something into existence.
Fashion	To make into a particular form.
Make up	To form or constitute (often used informally).

Comprises Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Consists of	To be made up or formed of.
Includes	To contain as part of a whole.
Contains	To hold or have within.
Encompasses	To surround and have or hold within.
Embraces	To include or contain (something) as a necessary part or consequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I say “is comprised of”?
No, traditional grammar considers “is comprised of” redundant or incorrect. Use either “comprises” (the whole includes the parts) or “is composed of” (the whole is made up of the parts).

Question 2: What’s an easy way to remember the difference?
Think of “comprises” as meaning “contains” (the whole contains the parts). Think of “composes” as meaning “creates” or “makes up” (the parts make up the whole).

Question 3: Is “comprises” more formal than “composes”?
Both are formal verbs, but “comprises” is often used in more technical or structured descriptions of composition, while “composes” can also refer to the act of creation (e.g., composing music), which gives it a broader usage context.

Conclusion

While often confused, “composes” and “comprises” describe the relationship between parts and a whole from opposite directions. “Comprises” means the whole includes its parts, functioning as “consists of.” “Composes” means the parts make up the whole, or to create something. Mastering this distinction enhances clarity and precision in your writing. Pro Tip: Using these words correctly demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of English, bolstering your professional reputation and credibility.