Comprised of

The usage of the phrase “comprised of” has long been a source of confusion for many people, especially when it comes to formal writing. Some argue that it is a misuse of the verb “comprise,” while others see it as an acceptable form of expression. However, there are rules that govern the use of this phrase, and if we want to communicate effectively through our writing, we must understand these rules.

First, let us define the verb “comprise.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word means “to consist of; to be composed of; to be made up of.” Therefore, when we say that something is “comprised of,” we mean that it is made up of several parts or elements.

The confusion arises when we use the phrase “comprised of” in a sentence. For instance, consider the sentence, “The committee is comprised of ten members.” Some people argue that this is incorrect usage, as it should be “The committee comprises ten members.” While this argument has some merit, it is not entirely accurate.

The truth is that “comprised of” is an acceptable usage, provided that it is used correctly. For instance, in the sentence, “The committee is comprised of ten members,” the phrase is used properly because it is in the passive voice. In other words, the sentence is saying that the committee is made up of ten members. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with using “comprised of” in this context.

However, when the phrase is used in the active voice, the problem arises. For instance, consider the sentence, “The committee comprises ten members.” In this case, using “comprised of” would be incorrect because the verb is no longer in the passive voice. Instead, the sentence is saying that the committee itself is doing the comprising or making up of ten members. Therefore, using “comprised of” in this context would be grammatically incorrect.

Another common mistake that people make when using “comprised of” is using it with a singular subject. For example, saying “The committee is comprised of a member” is incorrect because “comprised” implies that there are multiple parts or elements. In this case, the correct form would be “The committee is composed of a member.”

In summary, the usage of “comprised of” is acceptable, provided that it is used correctly. When used in the passive voice, it is perfectly fine to say that something is “comprised of” several parts or elements. However, when using it in the active voice, it is better to use “comprises.” Also, “comprised of” should only be used when referring to multiple parts or elements, and not a singular subject.

To reinforce these rules, it is essential to be familiar with the context in which you are using “comprised of.” Consider the following example: “The book is comprised of eight chapters.” In this case, “comprised of” is being used in the passive voice because it is saying that the book is made up of the eight chapters. However, if we were to rephrase the sentence to say, “Eight chapters comprise the book,” we would be using “comprises” in the active voice.

In conclusion, the proper usage of “comprised of” is a matter of understanding the context in which it is being used. When used correctly, it is an acceptable way of saying that something is made up of several parts or elements. However, when used incorrectly, it can create confusion and undermine the effectiveness of your writing. Therefore, it is essential to follow the rules and use “comprised of” only when it is the most suitable choice.