comprise, compose, constitute

The verbs comprise, compose and constitute are similar, but some of their meanings and uses are different.

On this page

• Definition of “comprise”
• Use of the preposition “of” with “comprise”
• Definition of “compose”
• Definition of “constitute”
• Difference between “constitute” and “compose”
• Additional information

Definition of “comprise”

Comprise means “consist of, be made up of, include”:

• The opera comprises [consists of] five acts.
• The property comprises [is made up of, includes] six buildings.

Comprise can also mean “constitute,” “compose,” “make up.”

• Ten provinces and three territories comprise [make up, compose] Canada.
• Approximately 20% of the Royal Canadian Navy is comprised of [composed of, made up of] women.

Note that the use of comprise to mean "constitute," "compose" or "make up" is still debated today. Although most dictionaries accept this definition, some consider it incorrect. However, it appears to be gaining ground and is commonly used today.

Use of the preposition “of” with “comprise”

Traditionally, the passive phrase is comprised of has been considered incorrect. Instead, the passive phrase is composed of has been preferred. Though the phrase is comprised of seems to have become widely accepted by many sources, it may still draw criticism.

So, if you’d prefer to avoid the phrase is comprised of, you can use is composed of, is made up of, includes or consists of.

• The main university building is comprised of [is composed of] several offices.
• The final exam is comprised of [is made up of] three essay questions.

Definition of “compose”

Compose means “constitute, make up, form”:

• Units called atoms compose [constitute, make up] matter.
• The introduction, body and conclusion together compose [form] the structure of an essay.

Definition of “constitute”

Constitute means “make up, account for, form”:

• Several neighbourhoods constitute [make up] the suburb of Kanata.
• The population of Ontario constitutes [accounts for, forms] over 35% of Canada’s total population.

Difference between “constitute” and “compose”

Constitute and compose are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably.

A key difference between constitute and compose is that constitute is often used in the active voice, while compose is often used in the passive voice.

• Four provinces constitute [compose] Western Canada.
• Western Canada is composed of [constituted of] four provinces

Additional information

• consist in, consist of