gathered on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathered on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct phrase would be "gathered at" or "gathered in" depending on the context. Example: "The community gathered on the town square to celebrate the festival."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Assembly Democrats gathered on Wednesday to discuss the proposed changes.

The New York Times

One by one, the men gathered on a recent Friday.

The New York Times

Friends gathered on the Persian carpets nodded.

The New York Times

A crowd quickly gathered on the ground.

The New York Times

A big crowd gathered on the sidewalk.

The New York Times - Style

Staff all gathered on ground floor, unable to treat patients.

The Guardian

A small crowd had gathered on each shore.

The New Yorker

Is this how we want information gathered on our behalf?

The New Yorker

He died there Sunday, and his children gathered on Monday.

The New York Times

Survivors gathered on rooftops, frantically shouting or signaling for help.

The New York Times

Everyone gathered on the landing strip to see them off.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gathering, use precise prepositions like "at", "in", or "around" depending on the context to avoid grammatical errors. For instance, prefer "gathered at the park" or "gathered in the hall".

Common error

Avoid using "on" after "gathered" when referring to a location. The correct prepositions are typically "at" for specific points or "in" for enclosed spaces. Using "gathered on" is often perceived as incorrect in standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered on" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of people or things coming together in a specific location or context. While frequently used, Ludwig indicates that this phrase is often grammatically incorrect and the correct preposition should be at or in.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "gathered on" appears frequently in various sources, including News & Media and scientific publications, Ludwig highlights that it is often grammatically questionable. The primary issue lies in the incorrect use of the preposition "on" when referring to locations; "at" or "in" are typically more appropriate. To maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity, especially in formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "assembled at" or "convened in". Paying attention to these nuances can significantly enhance the precision and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assembled at

Replaces "gathered on" with a more formal and grammatically correct phrase for indicating a meeting place.

convened in

Suggests a more organized or official gathering, suitable for meetings or conferences, avoiding the grammatical issues of "gathered on".

met at

Provides a simpler and direct alternative to "gathered on", focusing on the location of the meeting.

congregated at

Offers a synonym that emphasizes the act of coming together in a specific place, correcting the preposition usage.

collected at

Focuses on the act of bringing things or people together in one location.

accumulated at

Implies a gradual increase and gathering over time in a particular spot.

amassed at

Indicates a large number gathering, especially in a specific location.

flocked to

Suggests a large group moving towards a particular place, implying enthusiasm or urgency, and avoiding the grammatical error.

converged upon

Implies different entities coming together at a single point or idea, avoiding "on" prepositional error.

rallied around

Focuses on people coming together in support of a cause or idea.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use with "gathered" when referring to a location?

The correct prepositions to use with "gathered" depend on the context. Use "at" for specific locations (e.g., "gathered at the station") and "in" for enclosed spaces (e.g., "gathered in the auditorium").

Is "gathered on" ever grammatically correct?

"Gathered on" is rarely grammatically correct when referring to a location. It might be appropriate in very specific contexts, but alternatives like "assembled at" or "met in" are generally preferred for clarity.

What can I say instead of "gathered on" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, use phrases such as "convened at", "assembled in", or "met at". These alternatives provide a more formal and grammatically correct way to describe a gathering.

How can I remember the correct preposition to use with "gathered"?

Think of "at" for specific points and "in" for enclosed spaces. For example, people gather "at" a corner and gather "in" a room. Avoid using "on" unless you are referring to something abstract, which is rare.