Comprise vs Entail: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms

Are you confused about when to use “comprise” and “entail” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of both words and provide examples of when to use each one correctly.

Let’s define our terms. “Comprise” means to include or contain, while “entail” means to involve or require.

So, which one should you use? It depends on the context of your sentence. If you’re talking about a whole made up of parts, use “comprise.” If you’re talking about something that requires certain actions or consequences, use “entail.”

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words.

Define Comprise

Comprise is a verb that means to include or contain something or someone. It is often used to describe the parts that make up a whole. When something comprises something else, it is made up of or composed of that thing or those things.

For example:

• The book comprises 10 chapters.
• The committee is comprised of 5 members.

It is important to note that the word “comprise” should be used when referring to the parts that make up a whole. It should not be used interchangeably with “compose,” which means to create or make up something.

Define Entail

Entail is a verb that means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. It is often used to describe the necessary steps or actions that must be taken in order to achieve a particular outcome.

For example:

• Completing the project will entail working overtime.
• Going on vacation entails making travel arrangements.

It is important to note that “entail” is often used in the context of cause and effect. When something entails something else, it means that the first thing is a necessary condition for the second thing to occur.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to choose the right ones to convey your message accurately. Two words that often cause confusion are comprise and entail. While they are similar in meaning, they are not interchangeable, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Comprise” In A Sentence

The word “comprise” means to include or contain, and it is used to describe the parts that make up a whole. When using “comprise” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that the whole is made up of the parts, not the other way around. Here are some examples:

• The team comprises five members. (Correct)
• The team is comprised of five members. (Incorrect)

In the second example, “comprised of” is incorrect because it implies that the team is made up of the members, which is not the case. The team is the whole, and the members are the parts that make up the team.

Here are some more examples:

Correct	Incorrect
The book comprises ten chapters.	The book is comprised of ten chapters.
The committee comprises representatives from each department.	The committee is comprised of representatives from each department.

How To Use “Entail” In A Sentence

The word “entail” means to involve or require, and it is used to describe the necessary consequences of a particular action or decision. When using “entail” in a sentence, it’s important to remember that the consequence is the thing that is entailed, not the action or decision itself. Here are some examples:

• Studying for this exam entails a lot of hard work. (Correct)
• Studying for this exam is entailed by a lot of hard work. (Incorrect)

In the second example, “is entailed by” is incorrect because it implies that the hard work is the action that entails studying for the exam, which is not the case. Studying for the exam is the consequence that is entailed by the hard work.

Here are some more examples:

Correct	Incorrect
Starting a new business entails a lot of risk.	Starting a new business is entailed by a lot of risk.
Going on a hike entails bringing plenty of water and snacks.	Going on a hike is entailed by bringing plenty of water and snacks.

More Examples Of Comprise & Entail Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between ‘comprise’ and ‘entail’, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of each:

Examples Of Using ‘Comprise’ In A Sentence

• The zoo comprises of various animals from all over the world.
• The team comprises of players from different countries.
• The book comprises of three separate stories.
• The committee comprises of members from different departments.
• The cake comprises of several layers of sponge and cream.
• The course comprises of both theory and practical elements.
• The festival comprises of music, dance, and food.
• The painting comprises of various shades of blue and green.
• The company comprises of several smaller subsidiaries.
• The collection comprises of rare stamps from around the world.

Examples Of Using ‘Entail’ In A Sentence

• Starting a new business entails a lot of hard work and dedication.
• Going to the gym every day entails a significant time commitment.
• Adopting a pet entails a lot of responsibility.
• Being a doctor entails long hours and high stress.
• Learning a new language entails a lot of practice and patience.
• Traveling to a foreign country entails dealing with different customs and languages.
• Buying a house entails a significant financial commitment.
• Being a parent entails putting your child’s needs before your own.
• Working in a hospital entails exposure to various illnesses and diseases.
• Getting a degree entails several years of studying and hard work.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “comprise” and “entail,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Comprise” As A Synonym For “Compose”

One common mistake people make is using “comprise” as a synonym for “compose.” For example, saying “The United States is comprised of 50 states” instead of “The United States comprises 50 states.” The correct use of “comprise” is to indicate that something includes or contains other parts or elements. The word “compose,” on the other hand, means to make up or form the parts of something.

Incorrect: The book is comprised of three chapters.
Correct: The book comprises three chapters.

Using “Entail” To Mean “Include”

Another common mistake is using “entail” to mean “include.” While these two words are related, they have different meanings. “Entail” means to involve or require as a necessary part or consequence, while “include” means to contain or have as a part of something.

Incorrect: The job description entails a salary and benefits package.
Correct: The job description includes a salary and benefits package.

Using “Comprise” And “Entail” Interchangeably

Finally, some people use “comprise” and “entail” interchangeably, which is incorrect. While these two words are related, they have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other.

Incorrect: The team comprises of five members.
Correct: The team comprises five members.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes:

• Remember that “comprise” means “includes” or “contains,” while “compose” means “make up” or “form.”
• Use “entail” to indicate that something involves or requires something else, not simply that it includes it.
• Avoid using “comprise” and “entail” interchangeably.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “comprise” and “entail” can be tricky, as it often depends on the context in which they are used. While both words refer to the parts that make up a whole, they have different nuances that can affect their suitability for a given situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “comprise” and “entail” might change:

• Formal Writing: In formal writing, “comprise” is often preferred over “entail” because it is considered more precise and elegant. For example, “the United States comprises 50 states” is more formal than “the United States entails 50 states.”
• Everyday Speech: In everyday speech, “entail” is often used instead of “comprise” because it is simpler and more common. For example, “the party will entail food, drinks, and music” is more natural than “the party will comprise food, drinks, and music.”
• Scientific Writing: In scientific writing, “comprise” is often used to describe the parts of a whole, while “entail” is used to describe the logical consequences of a phenomenon. For example, “the cell comprises a nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane” is more scientific than “the cell entails a nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.”
• Legal Writing: In legal writing, “comprise” is often used to describe the elements of a contract or agreement, while “entail” is used to describe the legal consequences of a breach. For example, “the contract comprises the terms of the agreement” is more legalistic than “the contract entails the terms of the agreement.”

As you can see, the choice between “comprise” and “entail” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and conveys your meaning most accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “comprise” and “entail” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Collective Nouns

In some cases, collective nouns can be used with “comprise” in the same way as plural nouns. For example:

• The team comprises six players.
• The team is comprised of six players.

However, it’s important to note that using “comprise” with collective nouns is still considered by some to be incorrect. In these cases, it’s best to use “consist of” or “be composed of” instead.

2. Passive Voice

In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence is acted upon rather than doing the action. In these cases, “comprise” and “entail” can be used differently. For example:

• The book is comprised of three chapters.
• Three chapters comprise the book.

Similarly, in passive voice sentences, “entail” can be used in the following way:

• The job entails working long hours.
• Working long hours is entailed by the job.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions in which “comprise” and “entail” are used in a non-standard way. For example:

• The whole comprises the parts.
• The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• The job entails a lot of responsibility.
• The job comes with a lot of responsibility.

In these cases, it’s important to use the correct expression rather than trying to substitute “comprise” or “entail.”

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of the words “comprise” and “entail” is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Comprise Vs. Entail

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. The new project will ___________ a team of ten people.
2. My job ___________ answering phones and filing paperwork.
3. The United States ___________ fifty states.
4. Completing the marathon ___________ months of training.
5. The package ___________ a book, a DVD, and a CD.

Answer Key:

1. comprise
2. entails
3. comprises
4. entails
5. comprises

Exercise 2: Comprise Or Composed Of?

Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence:

1. The United Kingdom is ___________ England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
2. The committee is ___________ of five members.
3. My dinner ___________ a salad, a steak, and a baked potato.
4. The band is ___________ of a lead singer, two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer.
5. The book is ___________ of three parts.

Answer Key:

1. comprised of
2. composed of
3. comprised of
4. composed of
5. composed of

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “comprise” and “entail” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct word or phrase accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between comprise and entail is crucial for effective communication in written and spoken English. The two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately.

It is important to remember that comprise means “to include” or “to consist of,” while entail means “to involve” or “to require.” When using these words, it is essential to consider the context and the intended meaning of the sentence.

Moreover, using these words correctly can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing, making it easier for your readers to understand your message.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, we encourage you to explore other areas that can help you improve your writing skills. These may include punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary development.