Comprise vs. Include

Attribute	Comprise	Include
Definition	Consists of all the parts that make up a whole	Contains as part of a whole
Usage	Used when referring to parts that make up a whole	Used when referring to something that is part of a larger whole
Relationship	Parts are essential to the whole	Parts are not essential to the whole
Direction	Top-down	Bottom-up

Definition

Comprise and include are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Comprise means to consist of or be made up of something, while include means to contain as part of a whole. For example, a team may comprise of several players, while a team may include a coach and a manager.

Usage

Comprise is typically used in a sentence where the whole is divided into its parts. For example, "The United States comprises fifty states." On the other hand, include is used when listing the parts that make up the whole. For example, "The United States includes California, Texas, and New York."

Subject and Object

Comprise is often used with a subject that represents the whole, while include is used with an object that represents the parts. For example, "The committee comprises representatives from each department." In this sentence, the committee is the subject that is made up of representatives. On the other hand, "The committee includes members from each department." In this sentence, the members are the parts that make up the committee.

Order of Elements

When using comprise, the whole is usually mentioned first, followed by the parts. For example, "The menu comprises appetizers, entrees, and desserts." On the other hand, when using include, the parts are usually listed first, followed by the whole. For example, "The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts."

Clarity and Precision

Using comprise can sometimes lead to confusion or ambiguity, as it can be unclear whether the whole or the parts are being referred to. On the other hand, using include is more precise and leaves no room for misinterpretation. For this reason, include is often preferred in formal or technical writing where clarity is essential.

Formality

Comprise is considered more formal than include and is often used in academic or professional settings. Include, on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday language and informal writing. When in doubt, it is generally safer to use include to avoid any potential confusion or misuse of comprise.

Examples

• Correct: The package comprises a book, a pen, and a notebook.
• Incorrect: The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook.
• Correct: The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook.
• Incorrect: The package comprises a book, a pen, and a notebook.

Conclusion

While comprise and include are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message clearly. Comprise is used when referring to the whole being divided into parts, while include is used when listing the parts that make up the whole. Understanding the differences between these two words can help improve the clarity and precision of your writing.