comprise and constitute
Friday 12 February 2010
This is such a common error that we have decided to
harp on about it again.
Comprise means contains or consists of. First, it is never, ever, followed by of. Second, the whole of something comprises its parts.
In contrast, the parts of something constitute, or make up, the whole.
Right: Audiences comprise ordinary people.
Wrong: Audiences are comprised of ordinary people.
Right: Ordinary people constitute the majority of theatre goers.
Wrong: Ordinary people comprise the majority of theatre goers.
Comprise means contains or consists of. First, it is never, ever, followed by of. Second, the whole of something comprises its parts.
In contrast, the parts of something constitute, or make up, the whole.
Right: Audiences comprise ordinary people.
Wrong: Audiences are comprised of ordinary people.
Right: Ordinary people constitute the majority of theatre goers.
Wrong: Ordinary people comprise the majority of theatre goers.

