collecting tattoos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collecting tattoos" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of acquiring or accumulating tattoos on one's body, often as a form of personal expression or art collection. Example: "She has been collecting tattoos from different artists around the world, each one telling a unique story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When I asked my mum about how she felt about tattoos in the workplace, she said her opinion had changed since her own daughter started collecting tattoos.

The Guardian - Opinion

I love collecting tattoos.

Huffington Post

Through my experience, I've started collecting tattoos from some well-known artists.

Vice

It's easy to argue that my tattoos were a choice I made consciously and with great privilege: After all, collecting tattoos is no cheap hobby.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On a recent afternoon visit, a young couple who appeared to collect tattoos and facial piercings was tucking into huge All England breakfast platters of eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausage, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans or grilled tomatoes and toast.

The New York Times - Travel

The museum is considering collecting the tattoo portraits into a book.

The New York Times - Arts

Preserving skin posthumously is likely to become relatively common by the time the 20-year-olds of today enter old age, Mr. Riley said, particularly considering the monetary investment involved with collecting high-end tattoos.

The New York Times - Arts

A temporary tattoo collected from another egg reads, "Real men cry".

The New York Times

The Brooklyn-based writer and editor Justin Taylor, who is collecting images for a book of literary tattoos, has observed the same dichotomy.

Forbes

TMZ loves collecting groups of photos around a common theme, such as celebrity tattoos, or celebrity yachts.

The Guardian - Tech

This word should be tattooed onto the forehead of anyone seriously interested in collecting rocker stuff.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collecting tattoos", ensure it reflects a deliberate and ongoing process of acquiring tattoos, often with personal meaning or artistic value.

Common error

Avoid using "collecting tattoos" when referring to a single instance of getting a tattoo. The phrase implies a continuous and intentional accumulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collecting tattoos" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of acquiring tattoos over time, often implying a deliberate and intentional process. As Ludwig AI states, this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collecting tattoos" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that describes the ongoing activity of acquiring tattoos, usually with intention and personal meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it is well-understood and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "accumulating tattoos" or "building a tattoo collection" can be used to add nuance. The key is to ensure the phrase reflects a deliberate and continuous process rather than a one-time event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulating tattoos

Focuses on the gradual increase in the number of tattoos.

building a tattoo collection

Presents tattoos as a deliberate collection, similar to art.

amassing tattoos

Emphasizes accumulating a large number of tattoos.

acquiring tattoos over time

Emphasizes the progressive nature of getting tattoos.

gathering tattoos

Highlights tattoos as items that are gathered or assembled.

getting inked repeatedly

Highlights the action of receiving multiple tattoos.

obtaining tattoos

Focuses on the action of getting tattoos.

expanding tattoo art

Suggests growth in tattoo artwork on one's body.

curating a tattoo gallery

Suggests thoughtful selection and arrangement of tattoos.

sporting multiple tattoos

Highlights the display of several tattoos on the body.

FAQs

What does "collecting tattoos" mean?

The phrase "collecting tattoos" refers to the act of intentionally acquiring multiple tattoos over time, often viewed as a form of personal expression or art accumulation.

What can I say instead of "collecting tattoos"?

You can use alternatives like "accumulating tattoos", "building a tattoo collection", or "getting inked repeatedly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I collect tattoos"?

Yes, "I collect tattoos" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "I am collecting tattoos". Both imply a hobby or ongoing practice.

How is "collecting tattoos" different from simply "having tattoos"?

"Having tattoos" simply states the presence of tattoos. "Collecting tattoos", on the other hand, implies an active and ongoing process of acquiring them, often with intention and purpose.