Collectively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Collectively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group acting together or to describe something that is done by a group as a whole. Example: "Collectively, we decided to support the new initiative for environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The very fact that we do them collectively – there are many people involved in the collective, not just the leftwing.

The Guardian - Film

10 10 has now worked with 50 schools in a diverse range of communities from the Isles of Scilly to Stockton-on-Tees, who have collectively raised over £400,000 for Solar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course these collectively are nowhere near the carbon cuts we need.

The Guardian

Those complaints are admissions that the state is, or ought to be, all of us working collectively for the common good.

The Guardian - Opinion

These gentle giants are collectively known as the Paps of Jura.

The Guardian - Travel

Over time, most internet traffic would consist of one machine talking to another, handling micro-tasks that could collectively add up to vast efficiencies and convenience for humans.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Nafta provided little enforcement in those areas, and virtually none on violations of the right to unionize and bargain collectively.

The Guardian

He adds: "My dream is a publication that is really created collectively, that is younger, with a more modern type of satire, just as political as ever but with more focus on culture.

The Guardian

We need to have more of that catalysing of cross-fertilisation of these discussions across our different groups in order to have a more systemic and more holistic conversation towards what is the vision we would like to see, how can we collectively begin exploring different pathways to doing that.

The Guardian

Collectively the cuts would save around £5bn, showing how ambitious it may be for ministers to reach the £12bn target.

The Guardian

It's a virtuous combination of well-qualified, skilled teachers motivated by clear, fair-minded and knowledgable leadership, collectively focused on students' wellbeing and all-round achievements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject you're referring to is indeed acting as a unified group. If individual actions are merely similar, consider using "together" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "Collectively" when referring to a singular subject. The word implies a group, so using it with a single entity creates a grammatical mismatch. For example, instead of saying "Collectively, the company decided...", use "The company decided..." instead.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "Collectively" functions to modify a verb or adjective, indicating that an action is performed, or a characteristic is possessed, by a group as a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term. Examples from Ludwig show it describing groups deciding, raising funds, or being known by a certain name.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Collectively" is a versatile adverb used to indicate that an action, decision, or attribute is shared by a group as a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, reflecting its utility in describing group efforts and shared outcomes. While other phrases like "as a group" or "jointly" can serve as alternatives, "Collectively" offers a more nuanced emphasis on unified action and shared responsibility. Avoid its misuse with singular subjects to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Jointly

Focuses on the shared responsibility or action among entities.

As a group

This alternative simplifies the expression, focusing on the group aspect.

Conjointly

Similar to "jointly", but may imply a closer or more intertwined connection.

All together

Highlights the unified action or presence of a group.

Taken together

Indicates that individual items should be considered as a whole for a more accurate understanding.

In unison

Emphasizes the synchronized or harmonious nature of the group's action.

In aggregate

Emphasizes the total or combined effect of individual items.

As one

Suggests a unified purpose or identity within the group.

In combination

Highlights the additive or synergistic effect of multiple elements.

By all accounts

This phrase indicates a shared perspective or consensus on a matter.

FAQs

How can I use "Collectively" in a sentence?

"Collectively" is used to describe actions or attributes of a group as a whole. For example, "Collectively, the students decided to protest the new policy" indicates that the decision was made by the group as a whole.

What phrases can I use instead of "Collectively"?

You can use alternatives like "as a group", "jointly", or "together" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the team collectively decided" or "the team decided collectively"?

Both "the team collectively decided" and "the team decided collectively" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The placement of "collectively" can vary based on emphasis, but the latter is more usual. For example "The team "collectively decided" to…"

What is the difference between "collectively" and "individually"?

"Collectively" refers to a group acting as a whole, while "individually" refers to each member of the group acting separately. For example, "The team members individually submitted their reports, but collectively, they achieved their project goals."