Is it "comprised of" or "composed of"?

"Composed of." Strict usage treats "comprised of" as an error — the whole comprises the parts directly.

Can I say "comprised of"?

In casual writing, yes — it is everywhere. In careful prose, use composed of or comprises instead.

Quick answer Canonicalizes to Comprise vs. Compose

What's the difference between "comprise" and "compose"?

Q: What's the difference between "comprise" and "compose"?

The whole comprises the parts. The parts compose the whole. Opposite directions. If you are naming the container and listing what is inside, use comprise: "the album comprises twelve tracks." If you are naming the parts and pointing up to the whole, use compose: "twelve tracks compose the album." Getting the direction right keeps the sentence from tangling.

i · AnswerOne line, no lecture

The whole comprises the parts. The parts compose the whole. Opposite directions.

ii · A little moreWhy this is the one to keep

If you are naming the container and listing what is inside, use comprise: "the album comprises twelve tracks." If you are naming the parts and pointing up to the whole, use compose: "twelve tracks compose the album." Getting the direction right keeps the sentence from tangling.

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