I gathered that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I gathered that" is correct and quite commonly used in written English.
It is often used when someone is trying to express that they understand what was said or done, and the context clues have enabled them to do so. For example, "He had a stern look on his face, and I gathered that he was not happy with my answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But as I have read the Constitution and its philosophy, I gathered that independence was the price of liberty.

Cornell University

I gathered that you value honesty and deliberateness".

The New Yorker

Though I gathered that our customers were leaving happy, few gave their compliments directly.

The New York Times - Food

I gathered that they were trying to reach the Jordanian intelligence service.

The New Yorker

I gathered that his wife and daughters also came and went at will.

The New Yorker

I gathered that he found Cannes better for the red-carpet stuff.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I gather that £500m of cuts are sought from universities.

The Guardian - Business

I gather that Barclays rejected more creative signage proposed by Pentagram, the design firm.

The New York Times - Arts

I gather that improvisation is not encouraged on the Mad Men set.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think that all loans should be declared but I gather that problem is that confidentiality agreements were entered into," he told BBC2's Newsnight.

The Guardian

I gather that Igloo raised close to €2m from a wide group of investors, including Rory McIlroy's former agent Conor Ridge and his Bua Private.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal pieces, verify “I gathered that” before publication.

Common error

Avoid using "I gathered that" if the information was explicitly stated. This phrase works best when you're inferring meaning from context clues or indirect communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I gathered that" functions as a clause introducer, indicating the speaker's understanding or conclusion based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I gathered that" is a versatile phrase used to express an understanding or inference based on available information. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in news, media, and academic contexts. It’s grammatically sound and suitable for neutral communication but should be used judiciously, especially when explicit statements are present. Understanding the nuances of this phrase, along with its suitable alternatives, can greatly enhance writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understood that

Focuses on comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

I understood from that

Highlights that a specific piece of information lead to understanding.

I inferred that

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion from indirect evidence or reasoning.

I deduced that

Suggests a conclusion reached through logical reasoning and inference.

I concluded that

Emphasizes a final decision or judgment reached after consideration.

I came to understand that

Implies a process of gradual understanding over time.

I ascertained that

Implies a more formal and thorough process of finding something out for certain.

I gleaned that

Indicates gathering information bit by bit, often from various sources.

I perceived that

Highlights awareness or recognition through the senses or intuition.

I surmised that

Implies forming an opinion or making a guess about something.

FAQs

How can I use "I gathered that" in a sentence?

Use "I gathered that" to express an understanding you've formed based on context or indirect information. For example, "From his tone, I gathered that he was disappointed."

What's a more formal alternative to "I gathered that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "I ascertained that" or "I deduced that", which suggest a more thorough process of understanding.

Is it appropriate to use "I gathered that" in academic writing?

Yes, "I gathered that" is appropriate, but ensure the understanding is based on valid inferences. If expressing a conclusion based on more explicit evidence, alternatives like "I concluded that" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "I gathered that" and "I assumed that"?

"I gathered that" implies some level of evidence or context leading to your understanding, while "I assumed that" indicates a belief formed without concrete proof. "I gathered that" suggests a more reasoned inference than "I assumed that".