compilation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compilation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a collection of items or a report of separate items. Example sentence: I purchased a compilation of the greatest hits from my favorite artist.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's our round up of helpful articles and resources: Rosetta comet landing: everything you need to know This is a really handy compilation of six key things you need to know about the Rosetta mission, including how the findings will ascertain whether planets made the Earth blue and the size of 67P in relation to Manhattan, New York.

The Guardian

She smiled wanly and handed me my birthday present, a CD compilation entitled Songs for Meditation.

The Guardian

Stubby's also posted a link to the third annual Ho Ho Ho Canada compilation (bit.ly/hohoca3) by the people behind the Canadian music column, Oh! Canada, on UK webzine thelineofbestfit.com.

The Guardian - Music

Wyatt's authorised biography, Different Every Time, is published next week by Serpent's Tail, and a compilation of the same name follows in November on Domino.

The Guardian - Music

Certain genres have always fallen foul of chart compilation etiquette, and as we move forward, there will continue to be anomalies.

The Guardian - Music

Strachey, the author of Eminent Victorians, was widely known as gay – and revealed in a recent compilation of his letters to be particularly interested in sado-masochistic sex – but lived for many years with the painter Dora Carrington, who committed suicide after his death in 1932.

The Guardian

Showing on a loop on the screens outside Palazzo Grazioli was a compilation of clips that had a strangely retro feel to it.

The Guardian

There are a couple to choose from but I wanted a pure Python library as our Python code is deployed almost exclusively on Google Appengine so compilation is not an option.

The Guardian

"That's how it happened in Mafia Queens of Mumbai and in Dongri to Dubai too; it was a compilation of the lives of so many gangsters, which became one collective book with so many characters.

The Guardian

The WHO itself also produced a compilation of articles in August to mark six months since the first case was formally identified.

The Guardian

There's a YouTube compilation of Mrs Slocombe talking about her pussy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific type of collection when choosing between "compilation" and synonyms like "anthology" or "assortment".

Common error

Avoid using "compilation" when referring to naturally occurring collections. It's best used for intentionally assembled collections, not something like a "forest" or a "galaxy".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compilation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of compiling or the resulting collection. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where "compilation" serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compilation" functions as a noun denoting a collection assembled from diverse sources. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. While the word has a neutral tone, you should consider the specific type of collection when you need to select a synonym (such as "anthology" or "assortment"). As a best practice, ensure the context clearly defines what the "compilation" consists of.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collection

Focuses on the assembled items themselves, rather than the act of assembling.

compendium

A concise but comprehensive collection of information about a particular subject.

anthology

Specifically refers to a collection of literary or artistic works.

digest

A summary or abridgment of a larger work or body of information.

assortment

Implies a varied collection of different items.

accumulation

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of items over time.

inventory

A complete list of items, often for business or organizational purposes.

aggregation

Focuses on combining data or information from various sources.

inventory

A detailed list or record of items or data.

body of work

Refers to the complete set of creations or achievements by an artist or professional.

FAQs

How can I use "compilation" in a sentence?

You can use "compilation" to describe a collection of items or information gathered from various sources. For example, "The book is a "compilation" of essays on modern art."

What's the difference between "compilation" and "collection"?

"Compilation" implies a deliberate act of assembling items, while "collection" can refer to both intentional and naturally occurring groupings. A music "compilation" is curated, while a stamp collection may simply grow over time.

What can I say instead of "compilation"?

You can use alternatives like "collection", "anthology", or "assortment" depending on the context.

Is "compilation" formal or informal?

"Compilation" is generally considered a neutral to formal term suitable for both academic and professional contexts. Terms like "collection" might be more appropriate in informal settings.