Comprise vs. Consist: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Comprise" means to include or contain, while "consist" means to be made up of.
Difference Between Comprise and Consist
"Comprise" and "consist" are both verbs that relate to the components or parts of something, albeit with a subtle distinction in their usage and structure in a sentence. Comprise implies the inclusion or containment of components, wherein the whole encompasses its parts. Conversely, consist emphasizes a composition, where something is fundamentally made up of its parts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
In utilizing "comprise," it's pertinent to note that the whole is always the subject of the sentence, actively comprising its parts. For instance, "The team comprises five members." In contrast, "consist" is employed to indicate what something is composed of, traditionally followed by the preposition "of," e.g., "The team consists of five members," delineating a passive context.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
In differentiating further, "comprise" carries a more formal tone, commonly used in technical or formal writing to describe the elements or components of a whole. Whereas "consist" is generally straightforward and typically used to straightforwardly express the makeup or composition of something in a wide array of contexts, both formal and informal.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Grammatically, it’s imperative to observe that "comprise" usually doesn’t enlist the use of "of" following it, asserting a more direct relationship between the whole and its parts. On the other hand, "consist" nearly always employs "of" to introduce the components, positioning them as fundamental to the constitution of the whole, like "The dessert consists of milk, sugar, and chocolate."
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
Comprise vs. Consist Comparison Chart
Implication of Exclusiveness
Does not necessarily imply exclusiveness
Often implies exclusiveness
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Comprise vs. Consist Definitions
◉Comprise
To contain as part of the whole.
The anthology comprises various short stories.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Consist
To have a particular makeup or composition.
The test consists of multiple sections.
Olivia
Sep 30, 2023
◉Comprise
To have entities as components or constituents.
The council comprises representatives from each state.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Consist
To be constituted with certain characteristics.
The fabric consists of wool and polyester.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Comprise
To embody particular parts or elements.
The musical repertoire comprises several classic pieces.
Elijah
Sep 30, 2023
◉Comprise
To include as a segment or fraction.
The curriculum comprises numerous modules.
Henry
Sep 30, 2023
◉Comprise
To be composed of or contain
The staff comprises eight physicians, two dozen nurses, and various administrative people.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be made up or composed
New York City consists of five boroughs. See Usage Note at include.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
Usage Problem To compose; make up; constitute
the countries and territories that comprised the British Empire.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To have a basis; reside or lie
The beauty of the artist's style consists in its simplicity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
(transitive) To be made up of; to consist of (especially a comprehensive list of parts).
The whole comprises the parts.
The parts are comprised by the whole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be compatible; accord
The information consists with her account.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
To compose; to constitute.In the passive voice, the use of of with comprise (is/are comprised of) may be regarded as tautological because the same meaning can be expressed in the active (comprises) without of, or with composed of, which is both synonymous and non-tautological (since compose in this sense always requires of).
The whole is comprised of the parts.
The parts comprise the whole.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
To contain or embrace.
Our committee comprises a president, secretary, treasurer and five other members.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
(patent law) To include, contain, or be made up of, defining the minimum elements, whether essential or inessential to define an invention.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
To comprehend; to include.
Comprise much matter in few words.
Friendship does two souls in one comprise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be composed, formed, or made up (of).
The greeting package consists of some brochures, a pen, and a notepad.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
be composed of;
The land he conquered comprised several provinces
What does this dish consist of?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
(rail transport) A lineup or sequence of railroad carriages or cars, with or without a locomotive, that form a unit.
The train's consist included a baggage car, four passenger cars, and a diner.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
include or contain; have as a component;
A totally new idea is comprised in this paper
The record contains many old songs from the 1930's
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To stand firm; to be in a fixed or permanent state, as a body composed of parts in union or connection; to hold together; to be; to exist; to subsist; to be supported and maintained.
He is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
form or compose;
This money is my only income
The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance
These constitute my entire belonging
The children made up the chorus
This sum represents my entire income for a year
These few men comprise his entire army
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be composed or made up; - followed by of.
The land would consist of plains and valleys.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Comprise
To encompass specific elements or quantities.
The collection comprises fifty rare stamps.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Consist
To have as its substance or character, or as its foundation; to be; - followed by in.
If their purgation did consist in words.
A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be consistent or harmonious; to be in accordance; - formerly used absolutely, now followed by with.
This was a consisting story.
Health consists with temperance alone.
For orders and degreesJar not with liberty, but well consist.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
originate (in);
The problems dwell in the social injustices in this country
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
have its essential character; be comprised or contained in; be embodied in;
The payment consists in food
What does love consist in?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
be consistent in form, tenor, or character; be congruous;
Desires are to be satisfied only so far as consists with an approved end
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
be composed of;
The land he conquered comprised several provinces
What does this dish consist of?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Consist
To be composed of specific elements.
The mixture consists of oil and vinegar.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
Comprise vs. Consist Frequently Asked Questions
Does “consist” always come with “of”?
Consist is commonly followed by "of."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can comprise and consist be used interchangeably?
They can often be used similarly but note the subtle differences and traditional usage.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is it correct to say “is comprised of”?
Traditionally no, but it is now accepted in some contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is comprise more formal than consist?
Yes, comprise is often considered slightly more formal.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
In which context is comprise commonly used?
Comprise is frequently used in formal or technical contexts.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
Can consist refer to non-physical components?
Yes, something can consist of abstract components like values or principles.
William
Sep 30, 2023
In what kind of sentences is consist usually used?
Consist is versatile and used in various contexts, both formal and informal.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
