What is the Difference Between Compose and Comprise?

The words "compose" and "comprise" are often confused due to their similar meanings. However, they have distinct uses and should not be used interchangeably. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Compose: This verb means "to form the substance of" or "to constitute." It is used to describe how something is made up or formed. For example, "The volume is composed of many essays". Some synonyms and near synonyms of "compose" include constitute, embody, form, and make up.
• Comprise: This verb means "to include, contain, enclose, or take in." It is used to describe what something contains or includes. For example, "A sonnet comprises fourteen lines of verse". A common mistake is the phrase "is comprised of," which should be avoided, as "comprises" can stand alone.

When deciding whether to use "compose" or "comprise" in a sentence, a useful rule of thumb is to substitute the verb "include" or one of its synonyms (e.g., contain, enclose, or take in). If the substitution fits, then "comprise" is the correct verb. If it does not fit, then "compose" should be used instead.

Comparative Table: Compose vs Comprise

The terms "compose" and "comprise" are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two terms:

Remember that "compose" is a verb that means to create or put something together, while "comprise" is also a verb that means to include or contain something as part of a whole.