Comprised Of vs. Composed Of
Cambridge documents “be comprised of” as a passive construction and “be composed of” as the passive pattern for compose. Active “comprises” can describe a whole containing its parts, so sentence structure matters more than a blanket prohibition.
Both “is comprised of” and “is composed of” are documented constructions. Cambridge also uses active “comprises,” so “comprised of” is not universally wrong.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| describe a whole as made up of parts | be composed of | Use the documented passive construction. |
| describe a whole as made up of parts | be comprised of | This passive construction is also documented. |
| use “comprise” actively | whole + comprises + parts | Use the active verb without “of.” |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you choosing between the two passive “made up of” constructions?
If yes: Both “is composed of” and documented “is comprised of” can express that meaning.
If no: If using active “comprise,” write the whole as comprising its parts.
Caveat: House styles may prefer one construction, but the evidence does not support calling documented “be comprised of” universally ungrammatical.
Examples
The panel is composed of five members.
The passive “composed of” construction names the parts.
The panel is comprised of five members.
The reviewed Cambridge evidence documents this passive construction.
The panel comprises five members.
Active “comprises” does not take “of” in this structure.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “is composed of” for a straightforward passive with compose; “is comprised of” is also documented; active “comprises” is another established option.
Usage Boundary
A style preference against “comprised of” should not be mislabeled as a universal grammar ban.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Consist, comprise or compose? (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary / English Grammar Today · Grammar and voice patterns for comprise and compose