引言
在英语写作和口语中,compose 和 comprise 都表示“组成”或“构成”的意思,但它们的用法却有明显区别。 很多人容易混淆这两个词,本文将从定义、结构、例句和常见错误等方面,帮助你彻底掌握它们的正确用法。
1. Compose 的用法
Compose 是一个主动动词,通常用于 “be composed of” 结构中,表示“由……组成”。
- Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
- The committee is composed of experts from various fields.
注意:单独使用 compose(不加 be)时,主语是整体,宾语是部分,例如:
- Twelve players compose the team.
但这种用法在现代英语中较少见,更常见的是被动形式 “be composed of”。
2. Comprise 的用法
Comprise 表示“包含;由……组成”,其主语是整体,宾语是组成部分。
- The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- The book comprises ten chapters.
注意:不要说 “is comprised of”!虽然这种用法在非正式场合偶尔出现,但在标准英语中被认为是错误的。
3. 对比总结
| 表达方式 | 是否正确 |
|---|---|
| The team is composed of 12 players. | ✅ 正确 |
| Twelve players compose the team. | ✅ 正确(较正式) |
| The team comprises 12 players. | ✅ 正确 |
| The team is comprised of 12 players. | ❌ 不推荐(非标准用法) |
4. 小测验(可选)
试着判断以下句子是否正确:
- This alloy is composed of copper and zinc. ✅
- The solar system comprises eight planets. ✅
- Eight planets are comprised of the solar system. ❌