I gather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I gather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you have come to a conclusion or understanding based on available information or evidence. Example: "I gather that the meeting has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A butcher, I gather".

The Economist

I gather those, too.

The New York Times

"Retail, I gather".

The New Yorker

I gather data".

The New York Times - Magazine

I gather it's coming.

The Guardian

First, I gather reference.

The Guardian

Selling like Wonderbras, I gather.

Independent

Hello to me, I gather.

The New York Times

I gather you enjoy comedy?

The New York Times

For medicinal purposes, I gather.

Independent

I gather you took it hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I gather" when you want to politely express an understanding or conclusion based on something you've heard or observed, without sounding overly assertive.

Common error

While "I gather" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Excessive repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Mix it up with alternatives like "I understand", "I assume", or "it seems to me" for a more engaging read.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I gather" primarily functions as a declarative statement to indicate the speaker's understanding or conclusion based on information received. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common way to express comprehension without asserting absolute certainty. It appears frequently in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I gather" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying understanding or drawing conclusions based on available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application in news and media contexts, while also suitable for formal business environments. "I gather" provides a polite and non-assertive means to share interpretations, with related alternatives including "I understand" and "I assume". To enhance writing, use "I gather" judiciously, varying sentence structure to maintain engagement and avoid monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understand

Replaces "gather" with a more direct synonym, indicating comprehension.

I take it

A more concise and informal way of expressing understanding.

As I understand it

Clarifies that the understanding is based on current information.

I assume

Indicates a belief based on incomplete information, similar to gathering.

I presume

Similar to "I assume", but often suggests a slightly stronger basis for the belief.

I infer

Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion from evidence.

I deduce

Emphasizes a logical and reasoned conclusion.

From what I can tell

Suggests the understanding is limited by available evidence.

I conclude

Signifies a formal or definitive judgment.

It seems to me

Introduces a subjective element to the understanding.

FAQs

How to use "I gather" in a sentence?

"I gather" is used to express an understanding or conclusion based on available information. For example, "I gather the meeting has been postponed" means you understand the meeting is postponed, likely based on something you've heard.

What can I say instead of "I gather"?

You can use alternatives like "I understand", "I assume", or "it seems to me" depending on the context.

Is "I gather" formal or informal?

"I gather" sits in a neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for most writing and speaking situations, but alternatives may be more appropriate for very formal or informal contexts.

What's the difference between "I gather" and "I assume"?

While both express a belief, "I gather" typically implies the belief is based on some evidence or information you've received, whereas "I assume" can be based on less concrete reasons.