collects by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collects by" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are describing a method or means of collection, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The organization collects by various means, including donations and grants."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In order to achieve it, she sells waste aluminum, which she collects by ransacking garbage cans.

The New Yorker

The sand collects by gravity at the bottom of the hydroclone and is recycled back to the reactor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Payday loans are illegal in New York, and so Jimmy collects by phone from debtors who live elsewhere.

The New Yorker

This isn't to diminish the extraordinary record of how we think that Google collects by simply tracking our queries, but Facebook collects more.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rival proposals pushed by Mr. Wyden and Mr. Udall would also ban the N.S.A. from warrantless searches of Americans' information in the vast databases of communications it collects by targeting noncitizens abroad.

The New York Times

Then he applies a sulphur mask – the ingredients for which he collects by hand from the seabed at Havana's Playas del Este – vigorously massages my face, blasts it with prickles of electricity and kneads it with a facial rolling pin.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Monitoring data collected by the collection service.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Collected by Danielle Wright.

The Guardian

Many aficionados collect by subject.

The New York Times - Arts

It houses tax information collected by HM Revenue and Customs HMRCC).

The Economist

His work was collected by museums internationally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method of collection, consider using more common and precise alternatives like "gathers through" or "acquires via" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on the phrase "collects by". While grammatically sound, it's less conventional. Instead, opt for alternatives that offer greater clarity and flow in your writing. For instance, instead of saying 'The organization collects data by surveying users', consider 'The organization gathers data through user surveys'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collects by" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of gathering something using a specific method. Ludwig AI suggests that while not grammatically incorrect, this phrase is not the most common or preferred way to express this idea. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, often describing how data or materials are obtained.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "collects by" is not the most common or preferred way to express the idea of gathering something using a specific method. Ludwig AI suggests considering alternatives like "gathers through" or "acquires via" for improved clarity and flow. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, but is most frequently used in news and media sources. When writing, it's important to aim for more precise alternatives to avoid sounding awkward. While not incorrect, opting for stronger phrasing can enhance your writing significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathers through

Focuses on the action of gathering, emphasizing the means by which something is acquired.

acquires via

Highlights the method or channel through which something is obtained, suggesting a formal or structured process.

obtains by means of

Emphasizes the instrumentality involved in the acquisition process, indicating a deliberate approach.

secures through

Stresses the effort or strategy employed to obtain something, implying a competitive or challenging context.

accumulates through

Highlights the gradual increase or build-up of something over time, emphasizing the process of collection.

assembles by

Focuses on bringing different components together, suggesting a structured or organized collection process.

compiles through

Emphasizes the systematic arrangement of information or data, indicating a thorough and organized collection effort.

harvests using

Suggests a deliberate and strategic gathering process, often associated with natural resources or cultivated products.

extracts by

Highlights the process of removing or obtaining something from a source, implying a selective or refined collection method.

procures by

Emphasizes the act of obtaining something through specific channels, implying a formal or business-oriented context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "collects by" to sound more natural?

You can use alternatives like "gathers through", "acquires via", or "obtains through" depending on the specific context. These alternatives often provide better clarity and flow.

Is "collects by" grammatically incorrect?

No, the phrase "collects by" is not grammatically incorrect, but it is considered less common and potentially awkward in certain contexts. Consider using stronger alternatives for better clarity.

What's the difference between "collects by" and "collects through"?

While both phrases are similar, "collects through" often implies a more direct or intentional method of collection, whereas "collects by" can sound less precise. For example, "collects data through surveys" is more common than "collects data by surveys".

Can I always replace "collects by" with "collects through"?

While "collects through" is often a good alternative, consider the nuance of your sentence. Sometimes, a different verb entirely, like "gathers via" or "acquires through", might be more suitable depending on the desired emphasis.