gather by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gather by" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to collecting or assembling information or items by a certain method or means, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "We need to gather by the end of the week to finalize our plans."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some species gather by the thousands to form multicellular bodies that can crawl.

The New York Times - Science

The men in white smocks gather by the door, glancing this way, muttering.

Independent

Straw went on: "He's been disowned by his own party and, I gather, by his mother.

The Guardian

It was cold inside, which made us all gather by the cast iron heater.

The Guardian - Books

At high water, those who remain tend to gather by the large boulder known as Jerome's Rock.

Independent

Their migration upstream is spectacular, as the young fish gather by millions, forming a dense mass several miles long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She has her hair loose, allowing the tendrils of it to gather by the sides of her face.

The New York Times

Police officials expected 500 to 1,000 protesters against the death penalty to gather by this evening.

The New York Times

Mormon crickets will sometimes gather by the millions and crawl in bands stretching more than five miles long.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Keyhole Code for images gathered by satellites.

The Guardian

This data was gathered by the reporter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gather by", ensure the context clearly indicates a physical gathering or collection occurring near a specific location or object. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gather by" in highly formal writing where more precise verbs like "assemble", "convene", or "congregate" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gather by" is a phrasal verb indicating the action of assembling or coming together in close proximity to a specific place or object. This is exemplified by Ludwig's examples, showing people or things grouping near something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "gather by" denotes the act of assembling or collecting near a particular place or object. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. Though generally acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that more formal or precise alternatives might be preferable in certain writing situations. Overall, while "gather by" is a frequently used phrase, writers should consider the specific context to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assemble near

Focuses on physical proximity during assembly.

congregate at

Highlights a formal or organized gathering at a specific place.

collect nearby

Emphasizes the act of gathering items within a certain vicinity.

meet around

Suggests a more informal or casual assembly.

flock to

Implies a large group moving towards a specific location.

accumulate close to

Indicates a gradual increase in quantity near a certain point.

muster by

Emphasizes the process of calling people together for a purpose.

converge upon

Suggests different entities coming together at a single point.

rendezvous at

Implies a pre-arranged meeting at a specific location.

group together at

Stresses the act of forming a cohesive group in a particular spot.

FAQs

How can I use "gather by" in a sentence?

You can use "gather by" to describe a group of people or things assembling near a specific location. For example, "The fans "assemble near" the stadium before the game."

What are some alternatives to "gather by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""assemble near"", "congregate at", or "meet around".

Is it grammatically correct to use "gather by"?

While "gather by" is used in various contexts, it's essential to ensure that the context is clear and that the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. In some cases, a more precise verb may be preferable.

What does "gather by" mean?

"Gather by" generally means to come together or assemble near a specific location or object. It implies a physical grouping in proximity to something.