compile data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compile data" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to the process of collecting or assembling information in an orderly fashion, typically for analysis or storage. For example, "The team is working to compile data collected from customer surveys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A close reader of trade publications, he became obsessed by the power of Google to compile data on the behavior and interests of users.

The New Yorker

Compile data and elementary architectural assignments.

Yale University

Three separate government agencies compile data from air-monitoring stations in the capital.

The Guardian

Newark, unlike many cities its size, does not compile data on antigay violence.

The New York Times

We were able to compile data from 33 states and D.C.

The Washington Post

Nokia, like Google, also operates a fleet of mapmaking cars to compile data.

The New York Times - Tech

Insignia/ESG employs six full-time market research professionals, whose job is to compile data on commercial properties.

The New York Times

Scout Advertising, he adds, does not compile data on individuals' whereabouts over time.

The New York Times

More importantly, the analysis found very little uniformity in study methods, making difficult to compile data.

Cornell University

Apple's is targeting advertisers who track users across the Web and compile data, rather than blocking the appearance of ads.

The Washington Post

The convenience comes at a price because those cameras catalog shoppers' choices and compile data on their habits and spending.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, ensure that the process of how you "compile data" is reproducible by others, detailing steps for data acquisition and cleaning.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of how you "compile data". Instead, provide specific details about the data sources, collection methods, and any transformations applied to ensure clarity and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compile data" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "compile" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (data). Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing the action of collecting and organizing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compile data" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the process of gathering and organizing information. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase finds frequent use in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using "compile data", consider specifying the sources and methods used to ensure clarity and credibility. While alternatives like "gather information" or "collect data" exist, "compile data" specifically suggests a systematic and organized approach to data collection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather information

Replaces "compile" with "gather" which is a more general term for collecting information. "Data" is replaced with "information", which is broader.

collect data

Substitutes "compile" with "collect", emphasizing the act of accumulating data. Retains the term "data" for specificity.

assemble information

Uses "assemble" instead of "compile", highlighting the process of putting information together. "Data" is replaced by "information".

collate data

Replaces "compile" with "collate", suggesting a more systematic arrangement of data. Retains the original term "data".

aggregate data

Emphasizes the summing up or gathering of data into a whole, using "aggregate" instead of "compile".

accumulate information

Focuses on the gradual gathering of information over time, replacing "compile" with "accumulate" and "data" with "information".

process data

Shifts the focus to the manipulation and analysis of data, rather than just its collection. It replaces "compile" with "process".

organize information

Highlights the structuring and arrangement of information, using "organize" instead of "compile" and "information" instead of "data".

extract data

Implies retrieving data from a source, different from simply collecting or compiling. It focuses on pulling out specific pieces of data.

mine data

Suggests a deeper investigation to uncover hidden data, differing from simple compilation. It replaces "compile" with "mine".

FAQs

How to use "compile data" in a sentence?

You can use "compile data" in sentences like: "Researchers "compile data" from various sources to support their findings", or "The software helps businesses to "compile data" for market analysis".

What are some alternatives to "compile data"?

Alternatives to "compile data" include "gather information", "collect data", or "assemble information", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "compiling data" or should I use another form?

"Compiling data" is the gerund form and is correct when used as a noun (e.g. "Compiling data" is a crucial step in the research process"). However, the base form "compile data" is generally used as a verb.

What's the difference between "compile data" and "analyze data"?

"Compile data" refers to the process of gathering and assembling information, whereas "analyze data" involves examining and interpreting the collected information to draw conclusions.