collect a testimony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect a testimony" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to the act of gathering statements or accounts from individuals, typically in a legal or formal context. Example: "The lawyer was tasked to collect a testimony from the witness to support the case."

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He will tell you that you must collect a testimony.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, since 1996 the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has spearheaded a documentation project to collect such testimony.

The New York Times

A: Efforts are going on in China to collect the testimony of different victims, such as those who were made into comfort women (who provided sex for Japanese troops) and those who lost their health to germ warfare.

Huffington Post

The United Nations said on Tuesday that it would soon deploy human rights monitors in countries bordering Syria to collect eyewitness testimony on atrocities committed in the country.

Huffington Post

Although he concedes that no documentary evidence exists that the Americans knew what happened, Yang Jo Hoon, a prime ministerial appointee who heads a committee established to collect testimony about the killings, believes with many others here that the Americans must have known of, and perhaps even ordered, the crackdown.

The New York Times

Taking advantage of a political opening that would have been unthinkable a short time ago, the commission will collect testimony in private and hold public hearings, a first in Latin America, where victims of violence and public officials can give their accounts.

The New York Times

In these circumstances a UN commission headed by Detlev Mehlis started to collect evidence and testimony regarding the Hariri assassination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A small group of Liberian refugees had gathered there to set in motion a grand project: Beginning next month, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission will collect testimony on Staten Island, home to one of the largest populations of Liberians outside Africa, many of them survivors of 14 years of civil war.

The New York Times

Instead he hired volunteers to collect testimony for free, accepting as gospel the words of anyone with a grievance against the New Deal, the American Civil Liberties Union, progressive politicians, or organized labor.

Los Angeles Times

This week last year, the service organization I run, Dance/NYC, assumed the role of an arts responder, collecting early testimony that made the case for an NYC Dance Response Fund, established by the Mertz Gilmore Foundation.

Huffington Post

Test scores, attendance and graduation rates will be examined, and public hearings will collect testimony from educators, parents and others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in legal or formal contexts, consider using "collect a testimony" to underscore the act of gathering statements directly from individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "collect a testimony" in casual settings where simpler phrases like "get a statement" or "hear their story" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect a testimony" functions as a verb phrase, denoting the action of gathering statements or accounts, often in a formal or legal setting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward. The primary function is to describe a process of acquiring information from individuals.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collect a testimony" describes the act of gathering formal statements, particularly in legal or historical contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase may sound awkward in contemporary English, suggesting that alternatives like "take a statement" might be preferable in some cases. It is most commonly found in news reports and formal documentation. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, and writers should consider the formality of the setting when using it. Understanding these nuances helps ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take a statement

More common and less formal way of saying "collect a testimony".

Record statements

Highlights the act of capturing a verbal or written account.

Compile narratives

Focuses on creating a collection of stories or accounts.

Gather evidence

Focuses on tangible proof rather than verbal accounts.

Document experiences

Emphasizes preserving personal stories and events.

Assemble accounts

Suggests gathering related narratives to form a comprehensive view.

Accumulate accounts

Emphasizes gathering multiple narratives or reports.

Obtain an affidavit

Implies a formal, written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation.

Procure evidence

More focused on obtaining proof, which may include testimony.

Secure sworn declarations

Implies a legally binding and formal collection of testimonies.

FAQs

What does "collect a testimony" mean?

Collecting a testimony means gathering a formal statement or account from someone, often for legal or investigatory purposes. It involves obtaining firsthand information or evidence from a witness or individual involved in a particular event.

What are some alternatives to "collect a testimony"?

You can use alternatives like "take a statement", "gather evidence", or "obtain an affidavit" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "collect a testimony"?

It's appropriate in legal, historical, or formal settings where you need to emphasize the process of carefully gathering and documenting someone's account. It is typically used when precision and accuracy are important.

Is "collect a testimony" formal language?

Yes, "collect a testimony" is considered formal. Simpler phrases like "get a statement" or "hear their story" are better suited for informal situations.