collect over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of gathering or accumulating something gradually throughout a period. Example: "We aim to collect over time data on customer preferences to improve our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Trying to interpret that is a complex problem of both language and a collection of rich, useful data that Leap.ai has worked to collect over time in order to figure out who should go where.

TechCrunch

But the report does at least mention the enormous amount of additional data that the internet of things will collect over time, and some of the troubling questions that such collection raises.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, several vendors strongly suggest to repeat enrolment sessions in order to collect, over time, a set of templates representative enough.

Pattern Recognition Letters

Of course, the amount you'll collect over time depends on the size of your monthly benefits and how long you live.

Huffington Post

The bulk of Rutledge's 2016 compensation is to be paid through stock and option awards that he can collect over time if Charter's stock reaches new highs.

Los Angeles Times

I wanted them to reflect the messy human stuff of life and ultimately, I wanted there to be room to honor and see the beauty in the scars we collect over time..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We have a room filled with a collection of Eight Balls — " "Those Eight Balls were collected over time," Kohan said.

The New Yorker

Maternal and pup fluids and tissues were collected over time.

Reproductive Toxicology

A quasi-experimental design was used, and multiple source data was collected over time.

Journal of Vocational Behavior

Beyond cytokines, the model also provides a general way to analyze different types of data collected over time, she added.

Princeton University

The data collected over time can be plotted on graphs on the Palm, and notes and sketches can be added.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research methodologies or data collection processes, use "collect over time" to emphasize the longitudinal aspect of your study. This highlights that data points are not merely a snapshot but are gathered across a duration, enabling analysis of trends and changes.

Common error

Avoid using "collect over time" when simply describing a hobby or a one-time gathering of items. "Collecting", without the "over time" modifier, is more appropriate for describing a hobby of accumulating items. "Collect over time" is more suited for the analysis of how those items or data were obtained and how they changed throughout the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect over time" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating an action performed gradually across a period. It emphasizes the process of accumulation rather than a single, instantaneous collection. Ludwig's examples show it describing data gathering, art accumulation, and even the build-up of scars.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collect over time" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for describing a gradual accumulation or gathering process, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. While not exceedingly common, it finds use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as indicating an ongoing action, emphasizing the duration and progression inherent in gathering data, artifacts, or even experiences. Understanding its function helps in selecting the most suitable alternatives when aiming for clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulate gradually

Focuses on the gradual increase in quantity or amount, emphasizing the process of building up over an extended period.

gather incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the accumulation process, suggesting a measured and controlled collection.

build up progressively

Emphasizes the sequential and ongoing nature of the accumulation, often implying a structured or organized process.

accrue over a period

Implies a more formal or financial context, suggesting the accumulation of benefits or entitlements over a specified duration.

compile gradually

Stresses the orderly assembly of information or items, highlighting the process of bringing together diverse elements over time.

mass over time

This option emphasizes the final quantity achieved.

increase with time

This emphasizes the expansion or growth

gradually assemble

Implies a slow and methodical compilation or construction of something

slowly build up

Emphasizes the lack of speed involved in the process

progressively amass

Refers to gradual gathering or accumulating of (especially money or something valued).

FAQs

How can I use "collect over time" in a sentence?

Use "collect over time" to describe a gradual accumulation or gathering process, such as, "Researchers plan to collect data over time to analyze the effects of the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "collect over time"?

You can use alternatives like "accumulate gradually", "gather incrementally", or "build up progressively" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "data is collected over time" or "data are collected over time"?

Both are technically correct, but "data are collected over time" is more grammatically precise, as "data" is the plural form of "datum." However, "data is collected over time" is increasingly common in informal usage.

What is the difference between "collect over time" and "collected over time"?

"Collect over time" (verb) describes the act of gradually gathering something, whereas "collected over time" (adjective) describes something that has been gradually gathered. For example, "We will collect data over time" versus "This is data collected over time".