gather ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"gather ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are discussing the process of collecting different ideas or concepts, either on one's own or as part of a group. For example: "We will need to set aside some time to gather ideas for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The organization used a Web site to gather ideas and disseminate content for placards and posters.

The New York Times

The bureau will gather ideas for the property along the Truckee River in Storey County.

The New York Times

"It's easy to gather ideas, but not so easy to develop them in a collaborative way.

The Guardian

This study surveyed three categories of people: (hepatitis 'experts', healthcare providers, and patients) to gather ideas for core concepts for two populations (healthcare providers and patients).

Patient Education and Counseling

I've also begun taking time to do something I'd rarely done before — watch other colleagues operate in order to gather ideas about what I could do.

The New Yorker

Typically when television creators want to gather ideas, they huddle in a writers' room or maybe head out to a long expense-account lunch.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He wrote that he gathered ideas and observations as they occurred to him.

The New Yorker

Where books are gathered, ideas emerge, and where ideas emerge, passions erupt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Hasselbach said he attended many of the derbies, where he gathered ideas for ways to improve his product.

The New York Times

Yet while he gathers ideas from the avant-garde, Mr. Bowie's commercial reflexes are also in shape.

The New York Times - Arts

They have gathered ideas for reflective nail polish, trumpet-shaped baby bottles, and levers to lift public toilet seats with the touch of a foot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "gather ideas", ensure to create an inclusive and open environment that encourages diverse perspectives. Consider using brainstorming sessions, surveys, or suggestion boxes to facilitate this process.

Common error

A common mistake is to "gather ideas" without a clear plan for evaluation or implementation. Ensure that there's a structured process in place to review, prioritize, and act on the gathered input to maximize its value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather ideas" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of collecting or assembling thoughts, suggestions, or concepts. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gather ideas" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of collecting thoughts and suggestions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While phrases like "collect ideas" or "garner ideas" can serve as alternatives, the key is to ensure a structured follow-up process to effectively evaluate and implement the gathered input. Avoiding this follow-up is a common pitfall, underscoring the importance of clear evaluation plans. As illustrated, understanding the nuances of "gather ideas" enables more effective communication and brainstorming.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collect ideas

A more general term for bringing ideas together without specific nuance.

garner ideas

Emphasizes effort in collecting ideas, suggesting a more deliberate process.

collate ideas

Implies organizing ideas after gathering them, focusing on structuring the collection.

capture ideas

Focuses on recording or preserving ideas, highlighting the act of not letting them be lost.

assemble ideas

Implies constructing something from the collected ideas, emphasizing a building process.

gather insights

Shifts the focus to collecting deeper understandings or perspectives.

accumulate ideas

Focuses on the gradual increase in the number of ideas collected over time.

glean ideas

Suggests discovering ideas gradually, often from various sources.

harvest ideas

Suggests a systematic collection of ideas, similar to reaping a crop.

rally ideas

Implies bringing ideas together, often from different people.

FAQs

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

You can use "gather ideas" to describe the process of collecting different thoughts, suggestions, or concepts for a specific purpose. For example: "The team will meet to "gather ideas" for the new marketing campaign."

What's a formal alternative to "gather ideas"?

In formal contexts, consider using "collate ideas" or "garner ideas". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but might be more suitable for professional or academic settings.

Which is correct: "gather ideas" or "gathering ideas"?

Both "gather ideas" and "gathering ideas" can be correct, depending on the sentence structure. "Gather ideas" is often used as an infinitive or a verb phrase, while "gathering ideas" can function as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense.

What is the difference between "gather ideas" and "collect ideas"?

While both phrases are similar, "gather ideas" implies a more active and intentional process of bringing ideas together from various sources, while "collect ideas" is a more general term for accumulating thoughts or suggestions.