The dataset comprised
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this to professionally list exactly what information or samples your research project included.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to list the components of a scientific or professional data set.
- Always used in formal writing or serious business presentations.
- Indicates the total sum of parts that make up a whole.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe exactly what parts or pieces make up a large collection of information or data.
Key Examples
3 of 6Presenting a quarterly business report
The dataset comprised sales figures from all fifty states.
The dataset comprised sales figures from all fifty states.
Writing a university thesis
The dataset comprised three years of climate observations.
The dataset comprised three years of climate observations.
Explaining a hobby project to a mentor
The dataset comprised every song I listened to in 2023.
The dataset comprised every song I listened to in 2023.
Cultural Background
The word 'comprise' has been a battleground for English grammarians for decades. While many people use 'comprised of', strict style guides in the UK and US insist that 'comprise' should stand alone. It reflects the high value placed on 'Standard English' in professional and academic gatekeeping.
The 'Of' Trap
Many native speakers say 'comprised of', but in high-level writing, this is considered an error. Just use 'comprised' alone to sound like a pro.
Past vs. Present
Use 'comprised' (past) when the study is finished. Use 'comprises' (present) if you are describing a database that still exists right now.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to list the components of a scientific or professional data set.
- Always used in formal writing or serious business presentations.
- Indicates the total sum of parts that make up a whole.
What It Means
Think of The dataset comprised as a fancy way to say 'The group of info was made of.' It tells your reader exactly what was inside your folder or spreadsheet. It is like listing the ingredients of a cake after you have already baked it. You are showing everyone the raw materials you used for your big project.
How To Use It
You use this when you are looking back at work you have already finished. Because it uses the past tense comprised, it sounds like a completed journey. You usually follow it with a list of numbers or categories. For example, you might say it comprised 500 interviews and 200 surveys. It is clean, direct, and very professional.
When To Use It
This is your best friend for formal reports or university essays. Use it when you want to sound like an expert who has everything under control. It works perfectly in a business meeting when showing a PowerPoint slide. It also fits well in a serious news article or a medical report. It says, 'I am organized and my facts are solid.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual Friday happy hour with friends. If you say, 'My lunch comprised a sandwich,' people will think you are a robot. Avoid it in quick text messages or when talking to children. It is too heavy for light conversation. Also, never say comprised of—that is a common mistake that makes grammar experts cringe!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long tradition of Western scientific reporting. In the English-speaking academic world, being precise is a sign of respect. Using comprised shows you value the details of your evidence. It became very popular in the 20th century as data became the 'new oil' of the global economy. Now, it is the gold standard for starting a methodology section.
Common Variations
If comprised feels too stiff, you can try consisted of or included. If you want to sound even more modern, you might say the data included. Some people use was composed of, which is also very formal. However, comprised remains the shortest and most 'punchy' way to describe a total collection. It packs a lot of power into one single word.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. It is almost exclusively found in written reports, academic papers, and formal presentations. Avoid using 'of' after 'comprised' to maintain the highest level of grammatical accuracy.
The 'Of' Trap
Many native speakers say 'comprised of', but in high-level writing, this is considered an error. Just use 'comprised' alone to sound like a pro.
Past vs. Present
Use 'comprised' (past) when the study is finished. Use 'comprises' (present) if you are describing a database that still exists right now.
The 'Smart' Word
Using this phrase is a 'shibboleth'—a secret sign that you are well-educated. It immediately changes how people perceive your authority in a meeting.
Examples
6The dataset comprised sales figures from all fifty states.
The dataset comprised sales figures from all fifty states.
Shows the scope of the business analysis clearly.
The dataset comprised three years of climate observations.
The dataset comprised three years of climate observations.
Establishes the timeline and content of the research.
The dataset comprised every song I listened to in 2023.
The dataset comprised every song I listened to in 2023.
Uses formal language for a personal but structured project.
The dataset comprised phone logs and bank statements.
The dataset comprised phone logs and bank statements.
Adds a serious, authoritative tone to the investigation.
My dinner dataset comprised a single olive and some old milk.
My dinner dataset comprised a single olive and some old milk.
Uses overly formal language for a silly situation to create humor.
The dataset comprised letters from people who lost their first love.
The dataset comprised letters from people who lost their first love.
Combines cold data language with a very emotional subject.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the formal sentence.
The final dataset ___ responses from over 2,000 participants.
In formal English, 'comprised' should not be followed by 'of'. It acts as the full verb.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a scientific paper?
___ 50 blood samples and 20 DNA swabs.
'The dataset comprised' is the standard academic way to report methodology.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'The dataset comprised'
Talking to friends about your day.
I had some stuff in my bag.
Explaining a project to a colleague.
The data included some user feedback.
Writing an official research paper.
The dataset comprised 400 unique entries.
Where to use 'The dataset comprised'
Academic Writing
Describing survey results.
Business Analytics
Explaining market trends.
Medical Research
Listing patient demographics.
Government Reports
Summarizing census information.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means the collection of information was made up of specific parts. For example, The dataset comprised 10 files means there were exactly 10 files in the group.
It is very common in speech, but in formal C1-level writing, you should avoid it. Use The dataset comprised... or The dataset was composed of... instead.
Probably not! It is very formal. If you text a friend My grocery list comprised apples, they might think you are joking or being sarcastic.
Use it in the 'Methodology' or 'Results' section of a report. It is perfect for the moment you need to tell the reader exactly what you studied.
Comprised usually means you are listing *everything* in the set. Included suggests you are only mentioning some of the parts.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of International Academic English used by researchers worldwide.
Yes, you can say The group comprised ten volunteers. It sounds very objective and professional.
Because it requires an understanding of precise vocabulary and formal grammar rules that go beyond basic communication.
You could say The dataset consisted of or The dataset was made up of. Both are slightly less formal than comprised.
Not always, but in research reporting, we usually talk about data we already collected, so comprised is very common.
Related Phrases
Consisted of
To be made up of specific things (slightly less formal).
Was composed of
To be formed by putting parts together.
Accounted for
To explain the amount or portion of something.
Encompassed
To include a wide range of different things.
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