To Comprise vs. To Contain

Attribute	To Comprise	To Contain
Definition	Includes all the elements or parts that make up the whole	Has something inside or as a part
Usage	Typically used when referring to a whole made up of individual parts	Used when referring to something that has something inside or as a part
Relationship	Parts make up the whole	Something is inside or part of something else
Emphasis	On the parts that make up the whole	On what is inside or part of something

Definition

Both "to comprise" and "to contain" are verbs that are used to describe the inclusion of something within a larger whole. However, they have slightly different meanings and implications when used in a sentence.

Usage of To Comprise

The verb "to comprise" is used when referring to a whole that is made up of several parts. It is often used in the active voice, with the whole being the subject of the sentence and the parts being the object. For example, "The book comprises three chapters" means that the book is made up of three chapters.

It is important to note that "to comprise" should be used carefully to avoid confusion. The whole should always come first in the sentence, followed by the parts. Using "comprise" in the passive voice can lead to ambiguity and should be avoided.

Usage of To Contain

The verb "to contain" is used when describing something that holds or encloses something else. It is often used in the passive voice, with the thing being held or enclosed as the subject of the sentence and the container as the object. For example, "The box contains five apples" means that the box is holding or enclosing five apples.

Unlike "to comprise," "to contain" does not have strict rules about word order in a sentence. It can be used in both active and passive voice without causing confusion. However, it is important to ensure that the context makes it clear what is being held or enclosed by the container.

Implications of To Comprise

When using "to comprise," there is an implication that the parts mentioned are all that make up the whole. In other words, nothing is left out or excluded when using "comprise." This can be useful when emphasizing completeness or inclusivity in a statement.

For example, saying "The committee comprises representatives from all departments" implies that all departments are represented on the committee. This can be a powerful way to convey the idea of inclusivity and unity.

Implications of To Contain

On the other hand, when using "to contain," there is no implication that the container holds everything that could possibly fit inside it. The container may hold some things but not others, and there is no expectation of completeness or inclusivity when using "contain."

For example, saying "The box contains various items" does not imply that the box holds every possible item. It simply means that the box holds some items without specifying what those items are. This lack of specificity can be useful when the exact contents are not important or known.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake when using "to comprise" is to use it in the passive voice, with the parts coming first in the sentence. For example, saying "Three chapters comprise the book" is incorrect because it implies that the three chapters are making up the book, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.

Similarly, a common mistake when using "to contain" is to use it in a way that implies completeness or inclusivity. For example, saying "The box contains all the items" can be misleading because it suggests that the box holds every possible item, which may not be the case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "to comprise" and "to contain" are both verbs used to describe inclusion within a larger whole, they have distinct meanings and implications when used in a sentence. "To comprise" emphasizes completeness and inclusivity, while "to contain" simply describes holding or enclosing something without implying completeness. By understanding the differences between these two verbs, writers can use them effectively to convey their intended meaning clearly and accurately.