I have collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I have collected' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have gathered a certain number of items or collected information about something. For example, "I have collected enough data to complete the report".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I have a collection of bacteria I have collected over the last 10 years, with unusual or interesting properties – for example I've a whole palette of different-coloured bacteria.

The Guardian - Books

Would I have collected more narrowly?

The New York Times - Sports

I have collected a few other anecdotes.

The New Yorker

"I have collected characters for many years," he observed.

The New York Times

It's just that I have collected too much stuff.

The New York Times

I have collected many books over the years, and combined with my wife's library.

The New Yorker

This gives me half a year to analyse and publish the extra data I have collected.

The Guardian

I have collected his work since the mid-80's and am pretty obsessive about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

For years now I have collected Questions to Which the Answer Is No.

Independent

"Over the years I have collected the gamut," Ms. Stoecker said.

The New York Times

"I have collected cockroaches from many different places," Mr. Peña said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have collected", ensure the object of your collection is clearly defined. Specifying what you have gathered enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

While perfectly acceptable, "I have collected" can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "I have compiled" or "I have gathered", especially in formal reports. Consider the tone you aim to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have collected" functions as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's action of gathering or accumulating something. Ludwig AI examples illustrate the phrase being used to introduce evidence, items, memories, or data that the speaker has gathered over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have collected" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express the act of gathering or accumulating items, information, or experiences. Grammatically correct and widely applicable, its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media and science, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's analysis. While alternatives like "I have gathered" or "I have compiled" may be more appropriate in certain formal scenarios, "I have collected" remains a reliable and effective choice for conveying the idea of acquisition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have gathered

Replaces "collected" with "gathered", emphasizing a more deliberate and organized accumulation.

I have accumulated

Similar to "collected", but suggests a gradual increase over time.

I have obtained

Focuses on the act of gaining possession of something, often implying effort or a specific method.

I have amassed

Implies the accumulation of a large quantity, often of something valuable.

I have compiled

Suggests gathering information or data into a structured format.

I have acquired

Focuses on the process of coming to possess something, whether by purchase, effort, or chance.

I have built up

Emphasizes a gradual and continuous accumulation over a period of time.

I have assembled

Implies carefully bringing together various components or pieces.

My collection includes

Shifts the focus to the resulting collection rather than the act of collecting.

I possess a collection of

Highlights ownership and the existence of a collection.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I have collected"?

You can use alternatives like "I have gathered", "I have accumulated", or "I have obtained" depending on the context.

How to use "I have collected" in a sentence?

You can use "I have collected" followed by the objects or information you have gathered. For example, "I have collected data from various sources" or "I have collected stamps from around the world".

What's the difference between "I have collected" and "I have compiled"?

"I have collected" generally means gathering items or information, while "I have compiled" suggests organizing information into a structured format. For example, you might say "I have collected anecdotes", but "I have compiled a report".

Is "I have collected" formal or informal?

"I have collected" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although in very formal writing, alternatives such as "I have compiled" or "I have acquired" might be preferred in certain situations.