Definitions
- Describing a whole made up of different parts or elements. - Talking about the components that make up a group or collection. - Referring to the entirety of something, including all its parts or members.
- Referring to something as part of a larger group or category. - Talking about adding something to a list or collection. - Describing the presence of something within a larger entity.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the presence of something within a larger entity.
- 2Both words describe the components or elements that make up a whole.
- 3Both words can be used to talk about lists or collections.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Comprise is typically used to describe the whole that is made up of its parts, while include is used to describe the parts that are part of the whole.
- 2Structure: Comprise is followed by the whole, while include is followed by the parts.
- 3Order: The order of the parts is reversed when using comprise versus include. For example, 'The cake comprises flour, sugar, eggs, and butter' versus 'The ingredients that make up the cake include flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.'
- 4Formality: Comprise is more formal than include.
- 5Negative form: Comprise cannot be used in the negative form, while include can. For example, 'The package does not include a book' versus 'The package is not comprised of a book.'
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Remember this!
Comprise and include are synonyms that describe the presence of something within a larger entity. However, comprise is used to describe the whole that is made up of its parts, while include is used to describe the parts that are part of the whole. Additionally, comprise is more formal and cannot be used in the negative form.
