a significant gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or meeting that is important or noteworthy, often involving a large number of people. Example: "The conference was a significant gathering of industry leaders and innovators, discussing the future of technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Examples of such events include Formula One car race, Iron Man, Triathlon race, and other major sporting event where there is a significant mass gathering.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Last week in Riyadh, the most significant gathering of opposition figures – including a large representation of military commanders on front lines – was held.

The Guardian

The serial jumps champion Tony McCoy is never happier than when testing himself and, after a late start to his current campaign because of injury, he set himself a target of 50 winners before his branch of the sport's first significant gathering of the season, next week's Galway Festival.

Independent

The Edwin Morgan Archive will represent the most significant gathering of his work in print and will be housed in a dedicated space within the Edinburgh-based library to enable visitors to view and work alongside the items.

The Guardian - Books

For certain aspects of Latin American modernism, such as the early 20th-century Mexican Muralist movement, significant gathering and sorting has been done.

The New York Times - Arts

With five Volvo 60 racing yachts among the fleet of 83 boats scheduled to start, the event marks the first significant gathering of crews already in training for the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race, which starts from England next Sept. 23.

The New York Times - Sports

On the final day, the men are keen to share "worldwide" their enthusiasm not just for the work achieved but also the significant gathering of senior people visiting long-lost sites and caring for country together.

The Guardian

Guido Bertolaso, who was in charge of managing the logistics of the event, said that while he was pleased that the crowd control went smoothly, he was now focused on the next significant gathering.

The New York Times

Rediscovered by curator Dan Jacobs in 2007 and fully restored under his direction, it forms the centerpiece of one of DU's most significant gathering places, the newly dedicated Scott Reiman Theater at the Daniels College of Business (also the venue for this talk).

Harvard University

Held every six years and organized by a host country with support and co-sponsorship from FAO, the WFC is the most significant gathering of the global forestry community.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Among the other Saxons those of the Continent who presided over the destinies of Germany there were also significant gatherings of masters and students at selected monasteries, such as Corvey and Gandersheim.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant gathering", consider the context. Is the significance due to the size, the importance of the attendees, or the event's purpose? Adjust your wording for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant gathering" when the gathering is merely large but lacks importance or impact. Ensure the event genuinely holds noteworthy value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant gathering" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "gathering". It describes a meeting or assembly that is noteworthy or important. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant gathering" is a versatile phrase used to describe meetings or events that are considered important or noteworthy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the value or impact of the gathering. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the context, with frequent usage in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the gathering truly holds significance and consider specifying why to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "an important assembly" or "a notable meeting" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important assembly

Focuses on the importance of the meeting rather than its size or scale.

a notable meeting

Emphasizes the worthiness of being noted or remembered.

a major convention

Suggests a formal gathering, often for professional or political purposes.

a large conference

Highlights the size and formality of the gathering.

a key summit

Implies a high-level meeting with important decision-making power.

an influential forum

Suggests a gathering where ideas are exchanged and influence is exerted.

a prominent convocation

Indicates a formal and often academic assembly.

a critical mass

Emphasizes the sufficient number of people for a specific action or change.

a powerful caucus

Highlights a group within a larger organization, often political, with significant influence.

a substantial congregation

Focuses on the considerable number of people gathered.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant gathering" to describe events like conferences, meetings, or rallies where the attendees or the event itself are important or impactful. For example, "The conference was "an important assembly" of world leaders.".

What are some alternatives to "a significant gathering"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an important assembly", "a notable meeting", or "a major convention".

Is it always necessary to specify why a gathering is "significant"?

While not always required, specifying the reason for the significance enhances clarity and impact. For instance, "a significant gathering for discussing climate change" is more informative than simply "a significant gathering".

Can "a significant gathering" refer to a small group of people?

While typically associated with larger groups, "a significant gathering" can refer to a smaller meeting if the individuals involved or the purpose of the meeting holds substantial importance. However, consider alternatives like "a key summit" if the group is small but influential.