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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Comprise word

I'm not an English literature student, but I'm interested in this statement.

The group comprises 12 students.

12 Students comprise the group.

Can the word 'comprise' be used with the whole or the parts as its subject in a sentence?
  

Top answer

Anonymous The group comprises 12 students. The verb is traditionally used the first way, but lately, both versions (ironically opposite in meaning) are allowed. People who have learned their English during the last 50 years seem to favor the second version.

— Avangi

  • Anonymous The group comprises 12 students.
  • The verb is traditionally used the first way, but lately, both versions (ironically opposite in meaning) are allowed.
  • People who have learned their English during the last 50 years seem to favor the second version.
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5 Answers
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AnonymousThe group comprises 12 students.
12 Students comprise the group.The verb is traditionally used the first way, but lately, both versions (ironically opposite in meaning) are allowed.
People who have learned their English during the last 50 years seem to favor the second version.
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There's a usage note here if anyone is interested.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprise

CJ
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Although it has been in use since the late 18th century, sense 3 is still attacked as wrong. Why it has been singled out is not clear

I'm clear about why I attack it.

How would you like it if I started saying, "A basketball team composes five players." ??
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The reason that I only referred to that usage note rather than making my own "pronouncement" on it is that I never use the word anymore. It has become way too confusing. Seriously. I no longer know how to use it!
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A highschool buddy (later my best man) told me that a group comprises its members, not the other way around. He achieved the highest average in the history of our very old school.

Since he later acquired doctorates at Yale and MIT and became civilian director of underwater defense for NATO, I've always cherished his opinion on that and other things.
Unfortunately, I ditched the wife
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