Comprise and Comprised: Understanding the Correct Usage in English
When it comes to the correct usage of the terminology 'comprise' and 'comprised', it can sometimes be confusing. Understanding the nuances of these terms is crucial for effective communication and accurate writing. This article aims to demystify the usage of 'comprise' and 'comprised' and clarify the relationship between these terms and their synonyms.
The Definition of Comprise
Comprise means "to include" or "to consist of, especially within a particular scope." It is used to denote that a whole contains parts or elements that make up the whole. For example, 'The novel comprises five chapters.' This usage can be considered the primary or active form of the term.
Active Usage: Comprise
The most common and correct usage of 'comprise' is in the active voice:
Content comprises key elements such as text, images, and multimedia.
That document comprises several annexes and appendices.
Past Tense and Participles
The past tense of 'comprise' is 'comprised.' The past participle is also 'comprised.' Here are some examples:
The team has comprised experts in various fields.
This project was comprised of multiple phases.
It is important to note that the common passive construction 'is comprised of' is not always appropriate and is often considered substandard in most contexts.
Consist of as a Synonym
When a more synonymous term is needed in a sentence, 'consist of' often serves the same purpose. Both 'comprise' and 'consist of' indicate that something is composed of multiple parts or elements.
The country comprises 30 states (or consists of 30 states).
The key difference is that 'comprise' often focuses on the whole that contains the parts, while 'consist of' might focus more on the individual elements that make up the whole. However, in many situations, either term can be used interchangeably for clarity.
Common Usage Errors and Clarifications
It's important to note that 'comprise' is never followed by a preposition. For example, 'The book comprises eight chapters,' not 'The book is comprised by eight chapters.' The construction 'is comprised of' is often considered incorrect and should be avoided in most writing.
Correct: This letter comprises several paragraphs.
Incorrect: This letter is comprised of several paragraphs.
Conclusion and Further Reading
Understanding the correct usage of 'comprise' and 'comprised' is essential for clear and precise communication. As Robert Thorne points out, the term 'comprised' is often a mishearing of 'compromised,' which has a very different meaning and usage. For further reading, consulting online dictionaries or credible linguistic resources can provide additional clarity and context.
When in doubt, it's always a good idea to double-check with a reliable source to ensure accuracy in your writing.