Consist, comprise and compose look like three words that can be used interchangeably. Nevertheless, there are crucial differences among the three. In this post, I will explain what each of these words mean currently, when to use them, and how to avoid using the wrong word.
Comprise
Comprise is a transitive verb that takes a direct object immediately following it. It is used when we want to state something like “Y makes up X.” By contrast, compose is used when we want to state “X is made up of Y.” Let us understand the same using a few examples.
Six slices comprise the pizza. The pizza is composed of six slices.
These two sentences clearly demonstrate how comprise and compose should be used. In the former sentence, we can see that the six slices together form the pizza; hence, this sentence is of the form “Y makes up X” or “the parts make up the whole.” By contrast, compose denotes that the pizza includes or consists of six slices, or “X is made of Y,” or “the whole is made up of its parts.”
Let us use the principle in a few more examples to understand the concept better.
Eleven players comprise the cricket team. The cricket team is composed of 11 players.
The first sentence tells us that the 11 players make up the team. The sentence is expressed in the form “Y makes up X,” or “the parts make up the whole.” On the other hand, we can clearly see that the second sentence is written in the form “the whole is made up of its parts.”
In this way, compose and comprise are words that can be used in the same sentence but can mean entirely different things.
On the same lines is the word “consist.” Consist can be used instead of “composed of.” Let us understand the same using a few examples.
- The human body consists of 3 trillion cells
- The tribunal consists of eight highly qualified judges
- The mixture consists of four different chemicals.
From these examples, we can clearly see the difference between comprise, compose, and consist.
There is a rule one must know when it comes to these three words.
The direct object always follows comprise, whereas compose always preceded by “is,” “was,” or “will” is followed by “of.” It always takes the form “X is composed of Y.” We must never use the phrase “comprises of.” It is incorrect current English usage. It is always “Y comprises X.”
There is only one way to use the word consist. “Y consists of X” is the standard way to use consist in a sentence.
If you would like to know more about these words and their appropriate usages, please contact me.