##  [comprise, compose, constitute](/writing-tips-plus/comprise-compose-constitute)

##  Avertissement

Ce contenu est offert en anglais seulement.

The verbs **comprise**, **compose** and **constitute** are similar, but some of their meanings and uses are different.

## On this page

- [Definition of “comprise”](#def-comprise)
- [Use of the preposition “of” with “comprise” ](#preposition)
- [Definition of “compose”](#def-compose)
- [Definition of “constitute”](#def-constitute)
- [Difference between “constitute” and “compose”](#difference)
- [Additional information](#information)

## Definition of “comprise”

**Comprise means** “consist of, be made up of, include”:

- The opera comprises \[consists of\] five acts.
- The property comprises \[is made up of, includes\] six buildings.

**Comprise** can also mean “constitute,” “compose,” “make up.”

- Ten provinces and three territories comprise \[make up, compose\] Canada.
- Approximately 20% of the Royal Canadian Navy is comprised of \[composed of, made up of\] women.

Note that the use of **comprise** to mean "constitute," "compose" or "make up" is still debated today. Although most dictionaries accept this definition, some consider it incorrect. However, it appears to be gaining ground and is commonly used today.

## Use of the preposition “of” with “comprise”

Traditionally, the passive phrase **is comprised of** has been considered incorrect. Instead, the passive phrase **is composed of** has been preferred. Though the phrase **is comprised of** seems to have become widely accepted by many sources, it may still draw criticism.

So, if you’d prefer to avoid the phrase **is comprised of**, you can use **is composed of**, **is made up of**, **includes** or **consists of**.

- The main university building is comprised of \[is composed of\] several offices.
- The final exam is comprised of \[is made up of\] three essay questions.

## Definition of “compose”

**Compose** means “constitute, make up, form”:

- Units called atoms compose \[constitute, make up\] matter.
- The introduction, body and conclusion together compose \[form\] the structure of an essay.

## Definition of “constitute”

**Constitute** means “make up, account for, form”:

- Several neighbourhoods constitute \[make up\] the suburb of Kanata.
- The population of Ontario constitutes \[accounts for, forms\] over 35% of Canada’s total population.

## Difference between “constitute” and “compose”

**Constitute** and **compose** are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably.

A key difference between **constitute** and **compose** is that **constitute** is often used in the active voice, while **compose** is often used in the passive voice.

- Four provinces constitute \[compose\] Western Canada.
- Western Canada is composed of \[constituted of\] four provinces

## Additional information

- [consist in, consist of](/en/writing-tips-plus/consist-in-consist-of)

##  Avis de droit d’auteur pour l’outil Writing Tips Plus

© Sa Majesté le Roi du chef du Canada, représenté par le ou la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement
Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada

## Rechercher par thèmes connexes

Vous voulez en apprendre davantage sur un thème abordé dans cette page? Cliquez sur un lien ci-dessous pour voir toutes les pages du Portail linguistique du Canada portant sur le thème choisi. Les résultats de recherche s’afficheront dans le [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator).

- [Vocabulary](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)
- [Easily confused words](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A501#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)

## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
- [Outils d’aide à la rédaction](/fr/outils-tools/index-fra)
- [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator) (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques)
- [TERMIUM Plus®](http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-fra.html?lang=fra)