“Comprised” vs “Composed” | Difference & Examples
In English grammar, “comprised” and “composed” are both transitive verbs used to describe the makeup or structure of something, but they are used differently and convey different nuances.
“Comprised” means to consist of or be made up of something. “Composed” means to make up or form something by combining various elements or parts.
What is Comprised?
“Comprised” is a verb that describes the makeup or structure of something, emphasizing that a whole entity is composed of its parts. It is often used in the passive voice construction “to be comprised of” or “to be comprised.”
Example: “The team is comprised of experienced professionals”. It suggests that the team consists of individuals who are experienced professionals.
When using “comprised,” it’s essential to note that the whole is being described as made up of its parts. Therefore, the subject of the sentence refers to the entirety or collective entity, while the complement after “of” specifies the individual components.
What is Composed?
“Composed” refers to the action or process of making up or forming something by combining various elements or parts. In a broader sense, it denotes the act of creating or arranging a whole entity from individual components. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including music, literature, art, and chemistry, among others.
Example: “The artist composed a beautiful landscape painting by blending vibrant colors and skillful brushstrokes.” It describes the artist’s creative process of arranging and combining different elements.
In literature, “composed” can describe the act of writing or crafting literary works such as poems, novels, essays, or plays. Authors compose their writings by carefully selecting words, phrases, and structures to convey their ideas, emotions, and themes effectively.
Difference Between “Comprised” and “Composed”
This comparision table helps to understand the difference between the words “comprised” and “composed”.
| Aspect | Comprised | Composed |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Means to consist of or be made up of something. | Means to make up or form something by combining elements. |
| Usage | Typically followed by “of” to indicate components making up the whole. | Often followed by “of” to indicate the constituent elements or parts forming the whole. |
| Emphasis | Emphasizes the whole being made up of its parts. | Emphasizes the act of combining elements to form the whole. |
| Example | The team is comprised of experienced professionals. | The committee is composed of representatives from different departments. |
| Relationship | The whole entity is seen as made up of its parts. | The act of combining elements results in the formation of the whole. |
| Usage Frequency | Commonly used in various contexts, including formal writing and professional settings. | Widely used across different disciplines and fields, such as music, literature, art, and science. |
| Alternative Terms | “Consists of,” “is made up of.” | “Forms,” “makes up,” “cre |
Examples of Comprised and Composed
Examples of “comprised”
- The committee is comprised of representatives from various departments.
- The team’s success is comprised of hard work, dedication, and effective communication.
- The menu is comprised of a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
- The exhibit is comprised of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.
Examples of “composed”
- The symphony is composed of four movements, each showcasing different musical themes.
- The book is composed of several chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the protagonist’s life.
- The bouquet is composed of roses, lilies, and daisies, creating a vibrant and colorful arrangement.
- The committee is composed of experts in various fields, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives.
FAQs on “Comprised” vs “Composed”
What does “comprised” mean?
“Comprised” means to consist of or be made up of something. It is typically followed by “of” to indicate the components making up the whole.
What does “composed” mean?
“Composed” means to make up or form something by combining various elements or parts. It is often followed by “of” to indicate the constituent elements forming the whole.
What’s the difference between “comprised” and “composed”?
The main difference lies in emphasis: “comprised” emphasizes the whole being made up of its parts, while “composed” emphasizes the act of combining elements to form the whole.
Which one should I use in my writing?
It depends on the context and your preference for style. “Composed” tends to be more versatile and acceptable across various contexts, while “comprised” may be suitable in less formal settings.