compile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of gathering, organizing, or assembling information, data, or materials into a single document or format. Example: "Please compile all the reports from last quarter into a single file for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nick Compton broke into the England team through weight of runs scored in county cricket's 2012 season, at a time when other batsmen found it tough to compile big scores.

The Guardian - Sport

Maschler was the one who first persuaded Lennon to compile some of his writings for a book, published in 1964, and then worked with him again for the 1965 follow-up.

The Guardian - Music

Now against England, over the last two matches at least, the Australian Test story has come to follow a familiar script: diligently compile a first innings lead, bowl with discipline and composure, set things up nicely for the final day, then either crumble in the final innings if batting, or fall a couple of wickets short of the win if bowling.

The Guardian - Sport

Ask Torontonians to name their favourite purchase from the Honest Ed's department store, and you rapidly compile a compendium of kitsch to fascinate any anthropologist from the future.

The Guardian

Wam's power is extremely limited: it in effect has a hotline to Twitter, to escalate complaints that it has verified; it will also compile statistics on how well the service is handling them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of trying to write 30 articles over a period of six months, you just compile all of them together to make a book.

The Guardian

Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics which helps compile the report, said: "Job growth is strong, but slowing from the torrid pace of recent months.

The Guardian - Business

We have nominated some contenders, but this is just to get the discussion going: we would like your suggestions so that we can compile the best into final polls that you can vote on.

The Guardian - Sport

How do you use "fieldwork methods of observation and walking to compile an inventory which explore[s] the act of naming of local elements through oral inscription"?

The Guardian

If you have a good theme for Readers recommend, or if you'd like to volunteer to compile a playlist, please email [email protected] or [email protected] There's a wealth of data on RR, including the songs that are "zedded", at the Marconium.

The Guardian - Music

I take the time to compile a one month, one year and five year plan, each including detailed, practical steps that need to be taken in order to move forwards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compile" in technical contexts (like programming), ensure the surrounding language is also technically accurate. For instance, 'compile the source code' is preferable to 'compile the writing'.

Common error

Avoid using "compile" when a simpler verb like "collect" or "gather" suffices. "Compile" often implies a more complex process of integrating and organizing information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compile" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. As Ludwig confirms, it describes the action of assembling or gathering information, data, or code into a unified whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "compile" is a versatile term primarily used as a transitive verb, indicating the act of assembling or gathering information, data, or code into a structured format. As per Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent across various domains. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, showing a neutral to professional register. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "assemble" for physical constructions or "gather" for collecting from different sources. Remember, while "compile" is widely accepted, it implies more than simple collection; it involves a systematic process of integration and organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assemble

Focuses on putting things together, often physically or mechanically.

gather

Emphasizes collecting items from different places.

collect

Similar to gather, but can also imply a deliberate selection process.

put together

A more general term for combining elements.

collate

Implies organizing and arranging collected information.

accumulate

Suggests a gradual increase in quantity over time.

compose

Often used in the context of writing or creating something complex.

amass

Implies gathering a large quantity, often for a specific purpose.

organize

Highlights the arrangement and structuring of elements.

formulate

Focuses on creating a plan or strategy.

FAQs

How is "compile" used in programming?

In programming, "compile" refers to the process of translating source code written in a high-level language into machine code that a computer can execute. It's a necessary step to run most software.

What can I say instead of "compile" when referring to data?

You can use alternatives like "gather", "collect", or "assemble" depending on the context. Compile implies a structured organization of the data.

Is it correct to say "compile a list"?

Yes, it is correct. "Compile a list" means to create a list by gathering information from various sources. It suggests a deliberate and organized approach to creating the list.

What's the difference between "compile" and "create" a document?

"Compile" implies bringing together existing information or elements to form a document, whereas "create" suggests starting from scratch. For example, you might compile a report from existing data, but you would create a new policy document.