gaining information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of obtaining new knowledge or understanding. For example, "Trial and error was the best way to start gaining information on how to start a business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some mothers recognized the value of gaining information from a variety of sources to make informed decisions, illustrating a desire to be autonomous in their decision making.

BMC Public Health

My teachers claim that gaining information never hurts.

The New York Times

Greenwald had written articles for The Guardian by gaining information from Snowden on government surveillance programs.

The New York Times

Targeting and recruiting such people offers lessons in what might be called "strategic networking": gaining information about customers and competitors.

The Economist

"They spy for anyone from Russian oligarchs to football clubs to manufacturers – gaining information and advantage on their competitors.

Independent

Natural human techniques for gaining information from an interview unthinkingly cut corners by suggesting answers or guessing at the answer or offering multiple choices.

The New York Times - Health

On top of that, as US data gurus realised in the last presidential campaign, the social network is an unrivalled source of gaining information on voters.

The Guardian

The KGB will also have its agents focused on gaining information in America that will help them win the war in Afghanistan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bird banding (or ringing), first performed early in the 19th century, is now a major means of gaining information on longevity and movements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eight offshore banks are now under investigation, and prosecutors have settled a tax evasion case with the Swiss bank UBS, gaining information on thousands of bank accounts.

The New York Times

The transactions have many hallmarks of insider trading: a quick purchase of shares shortly after gaining information, resulting in a quick profit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to specify the type of information being gained (e.g. "gaining technical information" or "gaining market information") to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining information" in overly casual conversations; simpler phrases like "finding out" or "learning" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining information" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of acquiring knowledge or data. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that it's commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining information" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of acquiring knowledge or data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in written English. Its prevalence is evident across diverse sources, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While suitable for formal and neutral contexts, consider using simpler alternatives in casual settings. To enhance clarity, specifying the type of information being gained is recommended. Remember that "information" is an uncountable noun and does not take a plural form. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "gaining information" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring knowledge

Focuses more on the attainment of knowledge, implying a more structured learning process.

obtaining data

Emphasizes the collection of factual data, often in a scientific or analytical context.

gathering intelligence

Suggests a more strategic and purposeful collection of information, often in competitive or investigative scenarios.

learning facts

Highlights the process of learning specific facts, rather than a general understanding.

finding out details

Implies a discovery process, focusing on uncovering specific details.

getting insight

Focuses on achieving a deeper understanding or perspective.

developing understanding

Emphasizes the gradual development of a comprehensive understanding.

expanding awareness

Highlights the increase in one's general awareness or knowledge about a subject.

broadening horizons

Refers to expanding one's knowledge and experience in a more general sense.

doing research

Indicates a systematic and thorough investigation to discover new information.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "gaining information"?

Alternatives to "gaining information" include "acquiring knowledge", "obtaining data", or "gathering intelligence", depending on the specific context.

Is "gaining information" formal or informal?

"Gaining information" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In very informal settings, simpler terms like "finding out" might be preferred.

How can I improve the clarity of my writing when using "gaining information"?

To enhance clarity, specify the type of information being acquired, for instance, "gaining market information" or "gaining technical information."

Is it correct to use "gaining informations"?

No, "informations" is not standard English. The correct form is "gaining information", as "information" is typically an uncountable noun.