Each of these words involves the idea of containing, embracing, comprehending, or surrounding as, for example, a whole in reference to its parts. Compose has the additional meaning of making, or forming, by combining things: "This chemical compound is composed of five elements." Comprise suggests including or containing: "This section of the book comprises ten different subjects." To include is to contain as a part or member: "The list of names includes yours and mine." Use comprise when all parts are named or referred to and include when only some are."Comprised of" is a wordy expression. Omit the of. See also consist of.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.