collect up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect up" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or incorrect.
It can be used in casual conversation to mean gathering or accumulating items, but it is better to use more standard expressions in formal writing. Example: "Please collect up all the documents before the meeting starts."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The device can collect up to seven days' of data.

The New York Times

Bosses could collect up to £100m from the near-20% stake they hold in the company.

The Guardian - Business

Under this measure, Murray could collect up to £2.58m in remuneration.

The Guardian - Business

If you do, please tell us about it below, and we'll collect up the stories.

The Guardian - Arts

The bank is expected to collect up to 76 percent of its claims under the plan approved on Friday.

The New York Times

Typically, a financial adviser can collect up to an extra 1% of a client's assets each year.

The Economist

The dump dwellers must collect up to 9kg of old plastic bottles to earn a single dollar.

Independent

A principal could collect up to $5,000 for good performance, and area superintendents could collect upward of $10,000.

The New York Times

Under Social Security, spouses can collect up to 50percentt of the benefits of their husband or wife.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The government would, of course, have to collect up-to-date electronic records about participants' medical conditions.

Forbes

Many "foreclosure rescue" companies such as 21st Century also use a loophole that allows attorneys to collect up-front fees.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "gather", "accumulate", or "compile" depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "collect up" excessively in academic or professional documents. While not grammatically incorrect, it can make your writing sound less polished. Opt for alternatives like "gather" or "compile" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "collect up" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "collect" with the particle "up" to create a distinct meaning, indicating the act of gathering or accumulating items or information. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collect up" functions as a phrasal verb that describes the act of gathering or accumulating. While commonly used in news media and science, as shown by Ludwig examples, it tends to be less formal than alternatives like "gather" or "accumulate". As Ludwig AI underlines, while "collect up" is perfectly acceptable, especially in spoken English, writers should consider the context and opt for more formal synonyms in academic or professional writing to ensure clarity and maintain a polished tone. Its frequent usage across diverse sources makes it a readily understood phrase, though mindful application is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather

This is a more formal and widely accepted synonym for "collect up".

accumulate

Similar to "gather", this implies a gradual collection over time.

assemble

Implies bringing separate items together into a unified whole.

round up

Suggests gathering things or people together, often from a scattered state.

compile

Focuses on collecting and organizing information or data.

muster

Implies gathering something, like courage or support, often with effort.

marshal

Suggests gathering and arranging resources or forces in an organized manner.

glean

Refers to collecting information or items gradually, often from various sources.

rack up

Typically refers to accumulating points, scores, or debts.

bring together

A more general phrase indicating the act of uniting or assembling.

FAQs

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

You can use "collect up" to describe the act of gathering or accumulating items or information, as in "The device can "collect up" to seven days' of data."

What can I say instead of "collect up"?

You can use alternatives like "gather", "accumulate", or "compile" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "collect up" formal or informal?

"Collect up" is generally considered less formal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "gather" or "accumulate".

Which is correct, "collect up" or "gather"?

Both "collect up" and "gather" are correct, but "gather" is generally preferred in formal writing. "Collect up" is more common in casual conversation.