compile about

USAGE SUMMARY

"compile about" is not a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is not a phrase that is idiomatic and does not convey any meaning. If you wish to talk about something that has been collected or put together, you would use phrases such as "collecting information" or "compiling information". For example, "We spent several hours compiling information about water conservation techniques."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What surprising facts can you compile about a topic you care about, and how might you display them?

The New York Times

In a report this year, the F.T.C. recommended that Congress pass a law giving consumers the right to have some access to the records data brokers compile about them.

The New York Times

The more clear information you compile about your eBook, the easier a time you'll have in both getting it published and promoting it successfully.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Ḥamāsah was compiled about 835 while Abū Tammām was staying at Hamadan (Iran).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But most consumers never learn the specific pieces of information that have been compiled about them by marketers.

The New York Times

For instance, there is no federal law that requires such companies to allow consumers to have access to and correct marketing data that's been compiled about them.

The New York Times - Tech

For his text he chose an English translation of three short poems that deal with fate from a Japanese collection, "Kokin Wakashu," compiled about 905.

The New York Times - Arts

Catalan maritime law, compiled about 1370 in the Llibre del consolat de mar (Book of the Consulate of the Sea), enjoyed wide European recognition and usage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At least for now, however, these companies typically do not permit consumers to see the records or marketing scores that have been compiled about them.

The New York Times

When the Mishna (the first constituent part of the Talmud) was compiled about 200 ce, it incorporated the teachings of the Pharisees on Jewish law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1964, Senator Kennedy wrote to Hoover and asked him to write an essay for a book Mr. Kennedy was compiling about his father, Joseph P. Kennedy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "compile about" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "compile information on" or "gather data about".

Common error

Using "about" after "compile" often results in awkward phrasing. Always double-check your preposition choice and consider whether "on", "of", or "regarding" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compile about" functions incorrectly as a verb followed by a preposition. It attempts to describe the action of gathering information related to a topic, but the preposition "about" is not idiomatic in this context. Ludwig indicates the phrase isn't standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compile about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, it's not a standard or idiomatic expression in English. While some examples exist, using "compile about" is best avoided in favor of more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "compile information on", "gather data about", or even simply "research". Understanding this distinction helps ensure clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compile information on

The most similar alternative, but uses the correct preposition.

research on

Focuses on investigate a subject or topic

gather information on

Focuses on the act of collecting data on a specific topic.

collect data regarding

Emphasizes the systematic accumulation of data pertaining to something.

investigate

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth

assemble facts concerning

Highlights the arrangement of factual information related to a subject.

accumulate knowledge of

Stresses the gradual increase of understanding about a topic.

put together information on

Suggests a less formal assembly of information.

draw up a report on

Implies the creation of a structured document based on gathered information.

develop a database for

Highlights the creation of a structured data system.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "compile about"?

Instead of "compile about", use more accurate phrases like "compile information on", "gather data about", or "collect data regarding".

Is it grammatically correct to say "compile about"?

No, "compile about" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use prepositions like "on", "of", or "regarding" with "compile".

How can I use "compile" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure you use the correct preposition. For instance, "compile information on" is a correct and commonly used phrase.

What does "compile" mean?

"Compile" means to assemble or gather something, often information or data, into a coherent whole. For example, you might "compile a list" of resources.