are gathering for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are gathering for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people is coming together for a specific purpose or event. Example: "The community members are gathering for the annual festival this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The protestors are gathering for different reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, journalists are gathering for the press conference in Pittsburgh.

The Guardian

We think they are gathering for Peter Andre.

The Guardian

Their leaders are gathering for Mrs Bandaranaike's funeral, set for October 14th.

The Economist

This week, world leaders are gathering for climate talks in Doha, Qatar.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, over at Rachel Foster's house in Austin, the girls are gathering for another season.

The New York Times - Arts

But dark clouds are gathering for money-making machines like Blackstone.

The New York Times

EU finance ministers are gathering for an ECOFIN meeting in Luxembourg, following yesterday's eurogroup gathering.

The Guardian - Business

He may formally endorse Romney in Myrtle Beach, where the candidates are gathering for the Fox debate on Monday night.

The Guardian

Police patrolled the Madrid metro for the first time, and security at airports, nuclear plants and in Seville, where pilgrims are gathering for Easter processions, has tightened.

The Economist

He takes me through a swipe door to the central ward, where perhaps a dozen doctors and nurses are gathering for the morning's clinical handover.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events, specify the purpose of the gathering to provide context. For example, "Scientists are gathering for a climate change conference" provides more clarity than "People are gathering".

Common error

Avoid using "are gathering for" when the context implies a spontaneous or accidental meeting. Use more appropriate phrases like "are meeting" or "are running into each other" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are gathering for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action of people or entities assembling for a specific purpose. This phrase is dynamic, suggesting ongoing activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are gathering for" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe intentional assemblies of people or entities for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", the phrase maintains a neutral register, effectively conveying information about upcoming events, meetings, or activities. When writing, be mindful to use this phrase when there is a specific intent or reason for the gathering, ensuring it aligns with the overall context and avoiding its use for spontaneous or unintentional meetings. Considering the purpose, selecting the proper context ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are coming together for

A more descriptive and less formal alternative to "gathering".

are assembling for

Replaces "gathering" with a more formal term, suggesting a structured or official assembly.

are convening for

Similar to "assembling", but implies a more formal meeting or conference.

are meeting for

A more general term, indicating a simple get-together for a specific reason.

are preparing for

Focuses on the preparatory aspect of the gathering, emphasizing anticipation.

are congregating for

Suggests a spontaneous or less organized gathering, often with religious connotations.

are rallying for

Implies a gathering for a cause or to show support.

are uniting for

Emphasizes the solidarity and common purpose of the gathering.

are mustering for

Conveys a sense of urgency or necessity in the gathering, implying readiness.

are flocking to

Suggests a large number of people are rapidly moving to a specific location.

FAQs

How can I use "are gathering for" in a sentence?

You can use "are gathering for" to describe people coming together for a specific purpose, such as "World leaders "are gathering for" climate talks" or "Families "are gathering for" the holidays".

What is a more formal alternative to "are gathering for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "are assembling for" or "are convening for", which suggest a more structured or official meeting.

How does "are gathering for" differ from "are meeting for"?

"Are gathering for" implies a more intentional and often larger-scale coming together, while "are meeting for" can refer to smaller, more casual meetings. The nuance lies in the scale and formality of the event.

Is it correct to use "are gathering for" when referring to inanimate objects?

No, "are gathering for" is typically used to describe people or living beings. When referring to inanimate objects coming together, consider using phrases like "are converging" or "are accumulating".