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comprise vs. compose

Most people who get this wrong write "is comprised of", and they are in enormous company. It is so widespread that several major dictionaries now list it without comment. Careful editors still treat it as an error. Which puts you in the odd position of following a rule that is losing, in front of readers who may be the last people enforcing it.

comprise

A verb. To consist of, or be made up of. The whole comprises the parts — and it is never followed by "of."

  • The committee comprises nine members.
  • The portfolio comprises equities and bonds.
  • The building comprises four floors and a basement.
  • Not "is comprised of nine members" — the construction most style guides still reject.

compose

A verb. To make up or constitute. The parts compose the whole, and "is composed of" is correct.

  • Nine members compose the committee.
  • Equities and bonds compose the portfolio.
  • The committee is composed of nine members.
  • Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.

Quick way to remember

Put the whole first and use "comprises" with no "of." Put the parts first and use "compose," or turn it round as "is composed of." If you find yourself typing "is comprised of," swap in "is composed of" or "comprises" and the sentence is safe.