What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comprise
Example
The team comprises of five members. [comprises: verb]
Example
The book comprises three sections. [comprises: verb]
contain
Example
The box contains all the necessary tools. [contains: verb]
Example
The room contained a large table and several chairs. [contained: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contain is more commonly used than comprise in everyday language. Contain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while comprise is less common and is typically used in academic writing and formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comprise and contain?
Comprise is considered more formal than contain. It is often used in academic writing and formal contexts, while contain is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
