Dear 1L: Comprise vs. Compose

Dear 1L,

You are misusing the words “comprise” and “compose.” 

I concede: I, too, didn’t know the words well during law school.

The “comprise-compose” conundrum comes often in legal writing. 

The difference between the two words is not intuitive, 

and it seems to trip people up.

*    *    *

“Comprise” means “to be composed of.”  Thus,

✅  The whole “comprises” its parts.

✅  The whole “is composed of” its parts.

📍 There is no such thing as “is comprised of.”

*    *    *

“Comprise” is a handy word that I encourage you to use. It saves space—using one less is/of pair—and it makes for a less clunky clause than “is composed of.”

I have yet to discover a clever memory device.  I’ve brainstormed a few, but none seem good enough to propose.

The best way to learn how to use a word is to start using it a lot correctly.  For a while, you’ll have to double check the meaning each time, but eventually, it should become second nature.  

Has anyone come up with an easy way to remember proper comprise-compose use?  All ideas are welcome!

Fondly,

Amanda

P.S. Become a follower of —> #Dear1L (1,087 followers) to receive future letters in your feed.

#lawstudents

#lawyers

#legalprofession

#law