at a gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an event where people come together for a specific purpose, such as a meeting, party, or celebration. Example: "We had a wonderful time at a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He gestures around at a gathering of tiny broken huts.

The Guardian

At a gathering of Colombo's old salts, the mood is optimistic.

The Economist

I found myself as a writer at a gathering deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

The New York Times

At a gathering of family and friends their two children run excitably between them.

The Economist

It's Nicol who makes a crack about Palestinians at a gathering.

The New York Times - Arts

Prince Ali won the vote 25 to 20 at a gathering of the 45-nation A.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

The couple met in New York in 2008 at a gathering of art history students.

The New York Times

At a gathering, he threatened Prospero, then flung himself about the stage wildly, a man possessed.

The New Yorker

LAST week I was at a gathering of the great and good tackling the world's problems.

The Economist

The couple met in October 2006 at a gathering of Duke graduates in New York.

The New York Times

Notwithstanding his cancer treatments, he spoke with members of the association at a gathering in September.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a gathering" to describe informal or formal events where people come together for a specific purpose. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "event", "meeting", or "function" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "at a gathering" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "during the conference" or "at the assembly" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a gathering" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the location or context of an action or event. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a gathering" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that specifies the location of an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, showcasing its versatility in describing both formal and informal assemblies. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "at a gathering" or a more specific synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a get-together

Offers a more casual and informal alternative to "gathering".

at a social event

Similar to "social function", emphasizing the planned and organized nature of the event.

during an assembly

Replaces "gathering" with a more formal term, implying a structured meeting.

at a social function

Highlights the social aspect of the gathering, focusing on interaction and entertainment.

during a convention

Suggests a larger, more organized event, often with a specific theme.

at a meeting

Implies a more formal and purposeful assembly, often for discussion or decision-making.

at a convocation

Describes a formal gathering, typically at a university or college.

during a congregation

Suggests a gathering of people for religious purposes.

at a party

Highlights the celebratory nature of the gathering.

in a huddle

Refers to a small, close gathering, often for confidential discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a gathering" to describe a situation where people are meeting for a specific purpose. For example, "I met my spouse "at a gathering" of mutual friends."

What are some alternatives to "at a gathering"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "during an event", "at a meeting", or "at a social function" to replace "at a gathering".

Is "at a gathering" formal or informal?

The phrase "at a gathering" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "at a gathering" and "in a meeting"?

"At a gathering" is a more general term that can refer to any type of get-together, while "in a meeting" specifically implies a formal assembly for discussion or decision-making.