collect facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect facts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of gathering information or data for analysis or decision-making. Example: "In order to make an informed decision, we need to collect facts about the current market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It takes time to collect facts".

The New York Times

First, the doctor uses a patient's history and a physical exam to collect facts about her complaint or condition.

The New Yorker

Clarkson visited British ports to collect facts for his pamphlet "A Summary View of the Slave Trade and of the Probable Consequences of Its Abolition" (1787).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You can collect facts and be rock-solid certain about those facts, but you know quite well that those facts are only a piece of the puzzle.

The New York Times

"We must collect facts and use them as ammunition," argued Samuel Gridley Howe, a noted physician and abolitionist who was also husband to Julia Ward Howe, composer of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".

The New York Times

"A Mountain of Crumbs" (which takes its title from a game Gorokhova's grandmother invented during a famine in the 1920s) could be taught as a master class in memoir writing: the key is not to collect facts and recollections but to truthfully re­imagine one's life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Now we're collecting facts, we're reviewing those options.

The New York Times

Why? Davies collects facts, one brick at a time.

The New Yorker

"We're going to spend the next two years collecting facts".

The New York Times

And journalism undoubtedly entails a lot more than simply collecting facts and dumping them on an unsuspecting world – WikiLeaks proved that, if proof were needed.

The Guardian

Defenders argue that the whole point of collecting facts is to learn when not to telephone and what not to shove through the letterbox.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or arguments, meticulously "collect facts" from diverse sources to ensure credibility and avoid bias.

Common error

Don't base your conclusions on a single source when you "collect facts". Always cross-reference information from multiple reliable sources to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect facts" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gathering factual information. It's commonly used to describe the initial stage of research, investigation, or decision-making, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collect facts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the process of gathering factual information. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile in its application, it's crucial to ensure the reliability of sources and avoid over-reliance on singular perspectives. Alternatives such as "gather data" or "obtain information" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather data

Focuses on structured information, often quantitative.

obtain information

A broader term for acquiring knowledge, not necessarily structured.

accumulate evidence

Implies gathering proof to support a claim.

marshal evidence

Highlights gathering and arranging evidence to support a specific point.

compile findings

Suggests organizing and presenting collected information.

amass knowledge

Suggests gathering a large quantity of information over time.

ascertain the truth

Highlights the pursuit of factual accuracy.

investigate details

Focuses on exploring specific aspects of a situation.

research details

Emphasizes a systematic study for specific information.

dig up dirt

Implies uncovering scandalous or discrediting information.

FAQs

How can I use "collect facts" in a sentence?

You can use "collect facts" when referring to gathering information or data for analysis or decision-making. For example: "Before making a decision, we need to "collect facts" about the situation."

What are some alternatives to "collect facts"?

Alternatives include "gather data", "obtain information", or "compile findings" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "collect facts" or "gather facts"?

"Collect facts" and "gather facts" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey.

What is the difference between "collecting facts" and "interpreting facts"?

"Collecting facts" refers to the process of gathering information, while "interpreting facts" involves analyzing and drawing conclusions from the collected information. You need to "collect facts" before you can interpret them.