accumulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "accumulate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the collecting of something over time, usually until a large quantity has been gathered. For instance, you could say, "Over the course of 10 years, he was able to accumulate a large fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As owners of capital gobbled up the gains from growth, they would accumulate still greater piles of capital—"infinite accumulation".

The Economist

It took six years to accumulate that, and it may take as long to dispose of it.

The Guardian - Business

One thread on the messageboard for Coachella festival, entitled "I never realised how horrible Skrillex was until now" managed to accumulate 1,485 posts.

The Guardian - Music

Hence, inspectors found schools doing extremist-y things, such as not having a tombola at a fete and using a bank account that doesn't accumulate interest – Islam forbids both.

The Guardian

They are pushing it, while I'm just trying to accumulate everything I know".

The Guardian

But as the devices around us move from old world passive to being able to accumulate information and offer decisions, to live with us in harmony, they will need to learn manners.

The Guardian

Of course, there really is no "disposal" as the gases hang around to accumulate in an atmosphere that now holds about 40 per cent more carbon dioxide than it did before the industrial revolution.

The Guardian

With the alliance's savings scheme, the women were able to accumulate amounts that would help their families transition into replacement housing, with its bills and maintenance costs.

The Guardian

You can measure it in the comments people leave on the pictures and the number of 'likes' they accumulate".

The Guardian

But its supporters, witnessing the cross-party consensus teetering and presentational blunders accumulate, have been dismayed to see how little traction that view is getting among the wider public.

The Guardian

Speculating to accumulate in Scottish football is hardly a costly business given the diminishing level of competition below the Old Firm.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accumulate" when you want to emphasize the gradual process of gathering or increasing something over time. For example, "She began to accumulate a wealth of knowledge through years of study".

Common error

Avoid using "accumulate" when "collect" is more appropriate. "Collect" simply means to gather, while "accumulate" implies a gradual increase over time. Using "collect" instead of "accumulate" in sentences where there's no gradual growth will be a mistake.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accumulate" is as a transitive or intransitive verb, describing the process of gathering, increasing, or heaping up something over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct to use "accumulate" to describe a gradual collection process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "accumulate" is a versatile verb used to describe the gradual gathering or increase of something over time. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts. It is mostly used in news and media, formal and business, and science settings. When using "accumulate", it's essential to consider whether a gradual process is being described, differentiating it from similar verbs like "collect". Using synonyms like "gather" or "amass" can add nuance to your writing depending on the specific context. Avoid confusing it with "accrue", which has financial implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amass

Implies collecting a large quantity of something, often wealth or power.

aggregate

Indicates combining different elements into a single mass or sum.

gather

Focuses more on the act of bringing things together from different places.

build up

Implies a gradual increase over time, often in a metaphorical sense.

collect

A general term for bringing things together, without necessarily implying growth.

store up

Emphasizes the intention of keeping something for future use.

pile up

Suggests a disorganized or haphazard accumulation.

heap up

Similar to "pile up", but can also suggest a large, disorganized quantity.

hoard

Suggests keeping something secretively, often with a negative connotation.

gain

Focuses on the acquisition of something, often through effort or achievement.

FAQs

How to use "accumulate" in a sentence?

You can use "accumulate" to describe the process of gradually gathering or increasing something. For example: "Over time, dust will accumulate on the furniture" or "He hopes to accumulate enough money to retire early".

What can I say instead of "accumulate"?

You can use alternatives like "gather", "amass", or "collect" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "accumulate wealth" or "collect wealth"?

"Accumulate wealth" is generally more appropriate as it suggests a gradual increase in wealth over time. "Collect wealth" is less common but could be used if referring to gathering wealth from various sources at a specific point in time.

What's the difference between "accumulate" and "accrue"?

"Accumulate" generally refers to gathering or increasing something over time, while "accrue" often refers specifically to the gradual increase of financial assets or benefits. Both are similar but "accrue" has a more technical or financial nuance.