Compile data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Compile data" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of gathering and organizing information for analysis or reporting. Example: "Before we can proceed with the analysis, we need to compile data from the last three months of sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three separate government agencies compile data from air-monitoring stations in the capital.

The Guardian

Newark, unlike many cities its size, does not compile data on antigay violence.

The New York Times

Nokia, like Google, also operates a fleet of mapmaking cars to compile data.

The New York Times - Tech

Insignia/ESG employs six full-time market research professionals, whose job is to compile data on commercial properties.

The New York Times

Scout Advertising, he adds, does not compile data on individuals' whereabouts over time.

The New York Times

Intelligence agencies also compile data on foreign populations, topographies, climates, and a wide range of ecological factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have caught just two suspects this year.Since 2005 the police have taken the problem seriously enough to compile data.

The Economist

His colleague Tan Zuoren was jailed for five years for his work in helping compile data about earthquake victims.

Independent

Computer workstations and laptops to compile data have been delivered to the National University of Rwanda in Butare, said Paul Beaty, a geographer at Georgia Tech.

The New York Times - Science

Researchers, for instance, cannot compile data about patients' longer term results — information that is critical in determining the effectiveness and reliability of defibrillators.

The New York Times

There is the Scotland (689) to which Alan Lomax and Alfred Kinsey travelled in 1954, intending "to compile data on Scottish masturbation".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when deciding whether to use "compile data" or a simpler alternative like "gather information". "Compile data" is more appropriate for formal and technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "compile data" when you are only collecting or gathering data. "Compile data" implies a more involved process of organizing and structuring the information after it has been collected. Do not use "compile data" if you're only doing a simple data collection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compile data" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "compile" is a transitive verb and "data" is its direct object. This means the phrase describes an action performed on data, specifically gathering and arranging it. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compile data" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the act of gathering and organizing information, often as a preliminary step for analysis or reporting. Predominantly found in news media, scientific research, and formal business contexts, the phrase exhibits a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "gather data" or "collect data" exist, "compile data" implies a more structured and organized approach. It's crucial to differentiate between simply collecting data and the more involved process of compiling it. When using the phrase, clarity regarding the data's source and type is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gather data

Emphasizes the act of collecting information from various sources.

Collect data

Similar to 'gather data', but may imply a more systematic approach.

Assemble data

Highlights the process of bringing together data from different places.

Process data

Focuses on transforming raw data into a usable form.

Collate data

Implies arranging data in a specific order.

Consolidate data

Focuses on combining data from multiple sources into a single, unified dataset.

Analyze data

Emphasizes the examination of data to draw conclusions.

Extract data

Focuses on retrieving specific information from a larger dataset.

Record data

Highlights the act of documenting or preserving information.

Tabulate data

Emphasizes presenting data in a tabular format.

FAQs

How can I use "compile data" in a sentence?

You can use "compile data" to describe the process of gathering and organizing information. For example, "Researchers will "compile data" from various sources to conduct their study."

What is a good alternative to "compile data"?

Alternatives include "gather data", "collect data", or "assemble data". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "data is compiled"?

Yes, "data is compiled" is grammatically correct. It's the passive voice of "compile data", indicating that the data undergoes the process of being compiled.

What's the difference between "compile data" and "analyze data"?

"Compile data" refers to gathering and organizing information, while "analyze data" involves examining the compiled information to draw conclusions or insights. You usually compile data before analyzing it.