In the traditional distinction, parts compose a whole and a whole comprises its parts. For a paper mosaic, the tiles compose the bird, and the bird comprises the tiles.
Start with the parts or the whole
- Parts first. Five tiles compose the wing. The five tiles make up the wing.
- Whole first. The wing comprises five tiles. The wing consists of the five tiles.
- Whole first with of. The wing is composed of five tiles. This passive form lets you begin with the whole and keep compose.
Choose a form that reads clearly
Is comprised of has a long history, and some style guides advise against it. Is composed of or consists of works across style guides. Compose can also mean create, as in Ana composed a tune. See clarity for more ways to make a relationship easy to follow.
