An Indiana woman shudders every time anyone uses the expression comprised of. She wants to know if she’s right that it’s bad grammar, and more important, is she right to be a stickler about it? This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Comprised Of”
Hi, you have A Way with Words.
Hello, this is Mary Jo calling from Indianapolis.
Hi, Mary Jo, what’s going on?
Well, I have this little pet peeve, and I’m going to let you be my definitive source on this.
All right.
Well, it regards the usage of the word comprise. I’m seeing more and more in print the phrase comprised of. And my understanding was always that the word comprised means is made up of, and then you follow the word itself with a list. And the other day I found a kind of a high-end local publication, and in a bold subhead it had is comprised of and a long list. And I used to work in publishing, and I know how many editors see these things before they get into print, and I just wondered, am I wrong? Have things changed?
Mary Jo, the short answer is no, you’re not wrong.
Hallelujah.
But, you know, I see it more incorrectly now in print than, and it’s one of those words you almost never hear in conversation.
Well, you’re right, and that’s sort of the second part of the answer, which is yes, things are changing, I think. So, no, you are exactly right. Technically, strictly speaking, to make those strict English teachers happy, you never, ever want to use comprised of. Traditionally, comprise means to contain or embrace. It has the same Latin root as comprehend. So it’s sort of like getting your arms around something. For example, you would say the jury comprises six men and six women. It’s not comprised of them. The jury comprises six men and six women.
But, and here’s the but, you know, these days, even though you are absolutely completely right, I think comprised, if you use it the way that I’m talking about, the jury comprises six men and six women, I think people do a double take. I think it sounds a little bit stilted, even though traditionally that’s correct.
I think you’re right. Even the most conservative sources for language will admit that this is well on its road to becoming standard. There is still a distinction to be made, but it’s definitely very common in print.
Oh, well, I guess I’ll give up my purest attitude on that then.
There’s no reason it can’t be a part of your own personal style. There’s no reason you have to give in there. If you prefer to say comprised and not comprised of, then go for it. Nobody will follow you.
Yeah, but this may be a pet peeve you just want to release into the wild. I was going to say it’s not that important. But sometimes pet peeves, you just keep them around for company.
I like that. I’ll have to find another.
Well, I’m sure that won’t be too hard.
Mary Jo, thanks for calling.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your input.
All right.
Bye-bye.
Bye.
Well, if you have a pet peeve you’d like to share with us, we’ll listen. The number’s 1-877-929-9673 or email us. The address is words@waywordradio.org.
