a collective intake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collective intake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a shared or combined gathering of information, opinions, or resources from a group of people. Example: "The committee conducted a collective intake of feedback from all stakeholders to improve the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There was a collective intake of breath.

The New York Times

When the mayor took to the stage, you could hear a collective intake of breath.

The New York Times

When news emerged of Walsh's conflict with the Australian Taxation Office, there seemed to be a collective intake of breath.

The Guardian - Arts

Jani, who had kept the Toyota within range, swept past amid a collective intake of breath and sense of disbelief.

The Guardian - Sport

He asked the audience to resist the desire to have "a collective intake of breath" should a rider fall.

The New York Times - Sports

So when the paper launched its own web-streaming videos in April of this year, you could almost hear a collective intake of breath.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We're still having a collective intake of breath over two exceptional races.

The Guardian - Sport

Barca's fans were desperate for him to do well, producing a sharp collective intake of breath in anticipation every time he received possession and volubly leaping to his defence every time he was felled by a hefty Atletico challenge, which was often.

BBC

The opening notes of a whispered Babe I'm Gonna Leave You are met with an almost disbelieving collective intake of breath; his second set will end with an entrancingly amped-up Poison.

The Guardian - Music

It's quite special to witness the collective intake of breath as an entire campsite hears their radios report a big off at the same moment.

The Guardian - Sport

As far as it is possible to tell, there was a collective sharp intake of breath in the aftermath of the vote, but then consumers carried on regardless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collective intake" to vividly describe a shared, often involuntary, reaction from a group, usually in response to a surprising or dramatic event. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the unified nature of the reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a collective intake" to describe an individual's reaction. The term "collective" implies a group. Instead, describe the individual's action directly, such as "He gasped."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collective intake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing a shared reaction to a surprising or dramatic event. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a collective intake" effectively paints a picture of a shared reaction, usually one of surprise or anticipation, within a group. Grammatically sound and primarily found in news and media contexts, according to Ludwig, it adds a touch of formality to descriptive writing. While alternatives like "a shared gasp" exist for more informal settings, "a collective intake" remains a valuable tool for vividly portraying unified responses. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, further solidifying its place in formal and descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a communal intake of breath

Uses "communal" to highlight the shared nature of the action.

a combined drawing of breath

Focuses on the action of drawing breath together.

a public drawing of breath

Focuses on public act of drawing breath together.

a shared gasp

Emphasizes a sudden, shared reaction, specifically a gasp.

a unanimous gasp

Like “shared gasp”, this alternative highlights the uniformity of surprise.

a simultaneous intake of air

Highlights the simultaneity of the action.

a unison inhalation

Implies a coordinated and synchronous act of inhaling.

a group inhalation

More literal and clinical, focusing on the physical act of inhaling.

a general inhalation

More general and less precise in meaning.

a synchronized breathing

Implies a deliberate or natural coordination in breathing.

FAQs

How can I use "a collective intake" in a sentence?

You can use "a collective intake" to describe a shared reaction, such as in "There was "a collective intake of breath" when the magician revealed the trick".

What does "a collective intake" mean?

It describes a moment when a group of people simultaneously gasp or inhale, usually due to surprise, shock, or anticipation.

What's a similar phrase to "a collective intake"?

Alternatives include "a shared gasp", "a communal intake of breath", or "a combined drawing of breath".

Is "a collective intake of breath" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, it's a somewhat formal expression. You might prefer alternatives like "a shared gasp" for more informal contexts.