comprise, consist of

The word comprise and the phrase consist of both means to be made (up) of.

Consist of is used only in the active form, whether in present or in past tense.

Examples:

  • The United Nations consists of 193 member states.
  • During the Civil War, the Union consisted of 20 states.

The word comprise is considered more formal than consist of.

Examples:

  • The new trade zone will comprise North American and Central American countries.
  • The board comprises 10 members.

In either instance, it is fine to replace these with the plain language to be made (up) of.

Examples:

  • The United Nations is made up of 193 member states.
  • During the Civil War, the Union was made up of 20 states.
  • The new trade zone will be made up of North American and Central American countries.
  • The board is made up of 10 members.

Do not confuse with compose and constitute.

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