“The parts comprise the whole.”
Usage Entry 439 / 1011 60-second read
Compose vs. Constitute
Parts make a whole — but which verb?
The comparisoni
“The parts compose the whole.”
The ruleii
¶
PARTS COMPOSE. WHOLE COMPRISES.
Parts COMPOSE the whole. The whole COMPRISES the parts. CONSTITUTE works both directions but is formal.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Parts COMPOSE a symphony."