gather signatures for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gather signatures for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of collecting signatures, typically for a petition or support for a cause. Example: "We need to gather signatures for the new environmental policy to show community support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Ms. Dill said that for now, she would gather signatures for both races.

The New York Times

The players were hired, at $9 an hour, to gather signatures for two citizen initiatives.

The New York Times - Sports

The Council narrowly rejected the ban in 2008, prompting supporters to gather signatures for the ballot measure.

The New York Times

Though, one group did gather signatures for a petition requesting a meeting with O'Neill, who was too busy dickering with snowplows to oblige.

The New York Times - Books

It forces them to gather signatures for each and every race they hope to enter, an extremely labor-intensive and difficult process.

The New York Times

Limiting who can circulate petitions strengthens the hand of party leaders, who can call on volunteers in each community to gather signatures for their chosen candidates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Liu Xia's husband is serving 11 years for incitement to subvert state power, having co-authored and gathered signatures for Charter 08, a document promoting democratic reforms.

The Guardian

Liu Xiaobo, writer and human rights activist, is serving 11 years for incitement to subvert state power, and gathered signatures for Charter 08, a document promoting democratic reforms.

The Guardian

Politicians are waiting to see which way the wind is blowing," said Bill Reichertz, who gathered signatures for the petition in Watertown.

The Washington Post

So backers of the project gathered signatures for a ballot initiative, and then the Council approved it outright — shielding the project from environmental lawsuits.

The New York Times

Republicans, who think Nader's presence in the race helps President Bush, have gathered signatures for his petitions to get on the ballot in states such as Michigan, where officials refused to recognize his Reform Party endorsement.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. For formal contexts, "secure signatures for" or "procure signatures for" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "gather signatures". For instance, "gather signatures on" or "gather signatures at" are less common and can sound awkward. Stick to "gather signatures for" followed by the cause or item you support.

Linguistic Context

"Gather signatures for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of collecting signatures in support of a cause, candidate, or initiative. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from political campaigns to community initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gather signatures for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies collecting signatures to support a cause or initiative. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts, primarily within news and media. While the register is generally neutral, being mindful of the specific context and audience is advisable. When writing, ensure you're clear about the objective of the signature drive to maximize impact. Consider alternatives such as "collect endorsements for" or ""solicit signatures for"" to add nuance. Steer clear of using inappropriate prepositions like "on" or "at" with the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collect endorsements for

This alternative emphasizes the act of collecting support, using "endorsements" instead of "signatures".

obtain signatures in support of

This phrase highlights the purpose of collecting signatures, which is to show support for something.

solicit signatures for

This suggests a more active approach to obtaining signatures, implying a direct request.

secure signatures for

This focuses on the successful attainment of signatures, suggesting a more challenging process.

muster signatures for

This implies gathering signatures, often from a reluctant or dispersed group.

accrue signatures for

This suggests a gradual accumulation of signatures over time.

round up signatures for

This implies a quick and efficient gathering of signatures.

marshal signatures for

This indicates a more organized and strategic effort to obtain signatures.

procure signatures for

This formal alternative suggests obtaining signatures through official channels or procedures.

garner signatures for

This implies collecting signatures from various sources, often through persuasive efforts.

FAQs

What does it mean to "gather signatures for" something?

To "gather signatures for" something means to collect signatures from people in support of a specific cause, petition, candidate, or initiative. It is a common way to demonstrate public support.

What are some alternatives to "gather signatures for"?

Some alternatives include "collect signatures for", "obtain signatures for", or "solicit signatures for", depending on the context.

How can I effectively "gather signatures for" a petition?

To effectively "gather signatures for" a petition, clearly communicate the purpose of the petition, be approachable, and choose locations with high foot traffic. Also, make sure the petition is easily accessible and understandable.

Is it better to "gather signatures for" a cause online or in person?

The best approach depends on the cause and target audience. Online petitions can reach a wider audience, while in-person signature gathering can be more persuasive and build stronger community support. A combination of both methods is often most effective.