english questionnnn

Question

Generally, the representatives (compose) a legislature are constitutionally elected by a broad spectrum of the population.

i have no idea!! what goes in the blank?? 

Generally, the representatives which compose to? 

Answer 1

I would use "composing", being that the question is looking for a form of "compose".  There is no indication that other words should be added.

Answer 2

"Which" can be used when writing about things. "Who make up" is an acceptable choice; however, "composing" or "comprising" will provide a more concise, active voice.

Answer 3

Either the answer should be: the representatives who compose the legislature, or the representatives comprising the legislature.

Compose would mean- construct

comprise would mean- to consist of, to make up.

Answer 4

It seems that "comprised" is the better word choice here as it refers to a group which is organized together.  It might flow well to follow with the preposition "in" to show the location of this group and that it is a group.  "Compose" more refers to the definition of "create something".

Answer 5

Hi Alvaro,

Great Question.  This is an example of a subject adjective clause.  You could use "who compose" or you can reduce the subject adjective clause to a modifying adjective phrase by dropping the relative pronoun "who" and just using the verb in the "ing" form.  Therefore, the answer would be "Generally, the representatives composing a legislature are constitutionally elected by a broad spectrum of the population.  

Are you studying for the TOEFL?  This seems like a TOEFL question.  I am an experienced TOEFL/ESL professor and live in the San Francisco area.  I would be happy to help you.  

Answer 6

perhaps it could be "comprising"

Answer 7

I believe the answer is,

Generally the representatives who compose a legislature are constitutionally elected by a broad spectrum of the population.

Answer 8

"representatives composing a legislative branch" sounds best to me. But I agree a concise form of compose is the best option.

Answer 9

Who compose sounds good to me. Who composes? The respresentatives compose the legislature.

Answer 10

This building is comprised of East, West and South. He composes this piece of music. Certainly use the word compose, which sounds better. The representatives compose a legislature branch.

Answer 11

If you want to use an active verb, then "composing" is the correct choice. You can also say "who compose", but it is less concise.

Answer 12

Compose and comprise are synonyms, both being verbs forms, meaning consisting of. Being present tense, as represented by the word are, the "ing" needs to be added in the example sentence. Comprising is the favored word, since composing often refers to words, rather than to people.

Answer 13

Compose would be the more appropriate answer (if one is referrring to the inclusion of persons). Comprise is considered correct for scientific elements (i.e., "The experiment was comprised of a ....")

Answer 14

We could use 'who compose' if we mean 'the representatives' -- which ones? --> the ones who compose legislature.

Also possible would be 'composing' which suggests the ongoing nature of their participation.

 

The representatives are, we assume, people or agents so we should use the active form rather than are composing while the simple form, compose, shouldn't be used without a relative clause -- which requires who.

Answer 15

Many things could work - "who compose" or even simply "in" could be fine.