What is the difference between Compose and Comprise?

Compose

verb

Definition

Write or create (a work of art, especially music or poetry).

Examples

The team is [compose]d of experts from various fields.

He will [compose] a song for the occasion.

Water is [compose]d of hydrogen and oxygen.

Comprise

verb

Definition

Consist of; be made up of.

Examples

The committee [comprise]s ten members.

The collection [comprise]s over 200 paintings.

The United Kingdom [comprise]s England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Tags

similar-spelling related-meaning

Practice Quiz

Question 1: The orchestra will ___ a new symphony.

compose comprise

Question 2: The book ___ twelve chapters.

composes comprises

Question 3: Which sentence is correct?

The committee is comprised of five members. The whole comprises the parts. The parts comprise the whole. He comprised a beautiful poem.

Question 4: Which word means 'to make up' or 'form'?

compose comprise

Question 5: The United States ___ fifty states.

composes comprises

Question 6: Several different ethnic groups ___ the population.

compose comprise

Question 7: Which sentence is traditionally considered more formal and correct?

The team is comprised of experts. The team comprises experts. Experts are comprised by the team. The team is composed by experts.

Question 8: Water is ___ of hydrogen and oxygen.

composed comprised

Question 9: The collection ___ works from various artists.

composes comprises

Question 10: Which word means 'to consist of'?

compose comprise

Quiz Answers

Q1: compose

Q2: comprises

Q3: The whole comprises the parts.

Q4: compose

Q5: comprises

Q6: compose

Q7: The team comprises experts.

Q8: composed

Q9: comprises

Q10: comprise

Other Word Pairs to Explore

Liable vs. Libel

Your vs. You're

Intense vs Intensive

b2-upper-intermediate

Then vs Than

a2-pre-intermediate

Pore vs. Pour

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Quite vs Quiet

a2-pre-intermediate

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