Grammar Guidance Goodness: Compose vs. Comprise

Welcome to the first edition of Grammar Guidance Goodness (hereafter known as GGG)! I figure that if I’m going to reference the word “grammar” in my blog name, I’m pretty much required to discuss the rules of grammar on a somewhat regular basis. Instead of focusing on obvious, easy problem areas such as ”you’re” vs. “your” or “their” vs. “they’re” vs. “there,” however, I plan on tackling more subtle or less common issues – ones that may confound even the most seasoned editors.

The topic of today’s GGG isn’t quite that complicated, but it’s one that many people don’t seem to realize is even an issue (as well as a pet peeve of mine). It can be boiled down to one basic rule:

Never use the phrase “is comprised of.”

Ever.

Here’s the deal. The definition of “comprise,” according to the AP Stylebook, is “to contain, to include all or embrace.”

Incorrect: A Tito’s and soda is comprised of Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime.
Correct: A Tito’s and soda comprises Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime.

That may look, and sound, funny to you. Somehow “is comprised of” has become an accepted error, much like using “which” when it should be “that.” If you don’t like it, there are alternatives.

Correct: A Tito’s and soda contains Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime.
Correct: A Tito’s and soda is composed of Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime.

Those variations are perfectly acceptable. They may not sound as fancy, but they work.

Note that with “comprise,” the subject is the entire item; that is, the whole (Tito’s and soda) comprises the parts (Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime). If you want to reverse the order and talk about the parts making up the whole, use “constitute.”

Incorrect: Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime comprise a Tito’s and soda.
Correct: Tito’s vodka, club soda and lime constitute a Tito’s and soda.

One final note: Only use “comprise” if you’re listing all the parts. If what follows is part of the total, use “include.”

Incorrect: A Tito’s and soda comprises Tito’s vodka and club soda.
Correct: A Tito’s and soda includes Tito’s vodka and club soda.

That’s just gross. You really need that lime.