Thursday 3 March 2011

English Lessons - Comprise, Comprise of


You don't say that something 'comprises of' something else. You say something 'comprises' something else.

You never use the phrase 'comprise of' or 'comprises of'. It is always either 'comprise' (for plural) or 'comprises' (for singular).

This is because the words 'comprise' or 'comprises' mean 'made up of' or 'consist/s of'. So adding an 'of' after 'comprise' or 'comprises' is like saying 'consist/s of of'.

Examples:

Wrong: This lesson comprises of 11 chapters.
Correct: This lesson comprises 11 chapters.
Correct: This lesson consists of 11 chapters.
Correct: This lesson is made up of 11 chapters.

Also remember to use 'comprise' when the subject in question is plural and 'comprises' when the subject in question is singular. For example:

These lessons comprise 11 chapters.
This lesson comprises 11 chapters.

You can view my full article on Indianisms, on CNNGo: http://www.cnngo.com/mumbai/life/10-indianisms-652344

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