Time for another dose of commonly confused words! Comprise and compose are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings.
Compose means to make up something or to be a part of it.
· The novel is composed of twenty-seven chapters.
· The musician composed an amazing symphony.
· The theme park is composed of twelve rides, three food vendors, and a gift shop.
Comprise means to include.
· The mall comprises over a hundred shops.
· The novel comprises twenty-seven chapters.
· The theme park comprises twelve rides, three food vendors, and a gift shop.
Therefore, you would never say The mall is comprised of over a hundred shops or The novel is comprised of twenty-seven chapters.
Admittedly, comprised is misused so often that some dictionaries have given into the trend and claim that you can use it in the same way you would use compose. But if you want to please the most discerning audiences, stick to the words' original meanings.
I appreciate you taking the time to read these writing tips! If you have time, check out my sci-fi novel, On the Other Side of the Great Divide on Wattpad. You can point out all my writing mistakes, and I will love you for it.
YOU ARE READING
Things Every Writer Should Know (but Most Don't)
Non-FictionYou have a wonderful idea for a story, and that is fantastic! But how can you make sure that poor mechanics don't distract your writers from your message? I address some of the most common errors in writing and tell you how to fix them.
