include, comprise

Include refers to only part of a whole and suggests that the list that follows is incomplete.

  • This chili recipe, which calls for seven different spices, includes cumin and oregano.
  • This year my students are studying several planets, including Mars, Venus and Earth.

Comprise refers to all elements or components; it indicates that the list is complete.

  • Canada comprises (is made up of) ten provinces and three territories.

Copyright notice for Writing Tips Plus

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

Search by related themes

Want to learn more about a theme discussed on this page? Click on a link below to see all the pages on the Language Portal of Canada that relate to the theme you selected. The search results will be displayed in Language Navigator.