What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
typeset
Example
The book was beautifully typeset, with clear and legible fonts. [typeset: past participle]
Example
She learned how to typeset documents using Adobe InDesign. [typeset: verb]
compose
Example
He spent hours composing a heartfelt letter to his girlfriend. [composing: gerund]
Example
The photographer carefully composed the shot to capture the perfect angle and lighting. [composed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compose is more commonly used than typeset in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications beyond publishing and graphic design. Typeset is a more specialized term that is typically used in professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between typeset and compose?
Typeset is a more formal term that is commonly used in publishing and graphic design, while compose is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.