gathering evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathering evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as research, investigations, or legal matters where information is being collected to support a claim or argument. Example: "The detective spent weeks gathering evidence to build a strong case against the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(b) He was gathering evidence.

The New Yorker

He was, in a sense, gathering evidence.

The New Yorker

Francis began gathering evidence in July 2010.

The Guardian

"We are gathering evidence," Mr. Batic said.

The New York Times

"If not, we will be right outside, gathering evidence".

The New York Times

Again, she undertook the painstaking work of gathering evidence.

The New York Times - Magazine

The inquiry is in the process of gathering evidence.

The Guardian

The grand jury has been gathering evidence since February.

The New York Times

He added that the investigation was still gathering evidence.

The Guardian

For purposes of gathering evidence, process may issue to anyone..

The Guardian

The Kenyan Human Rights Commission is still gathering evidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about investigations or research, use "gathering evidence" to convey a systematic and thorough approach to uncovering facts.

Common error

Avoid presenting conjecture or assumptions as if they were derived from "gathering evidence". Ensure that any claims are supported by verifiable data or documented findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering evidence" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the activity of collecting information to support a claim or investigation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, from legal proceedings to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathering evidence" is a versatile and frequently used term that describes the systematic collection of information to support a claim or investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, especially in news, scientific research, and formal communications. The phrase's neutral register and high frequency, supported by examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, demonstrate its reliability and widespread acceptance. Whether used to describe a police investigation or a scientific study, "gathering evidence" effectively conveys the methodical pursuit of facts and proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collecting data

Focuses specifically on numerical or factual information, often in a research context.

compiling information

Implies assembling information from various sources into a structured format.

obtaining proof

Highlights the aim of securing definitive evidence to establish a fact or claim.

accumulating facts

Emphasizes the gradual build-up of factual knowledge or data.

assembling documentation

Specifically refers to the collection of documents as evidence or support.

procuring testimony

Focuses on obtaining statements from witnesses, typically in a legal setting.

unearthing clues

Suggests discovering hidden or obscure pieces of information that lead to a solution.

acquiring intelligence

Refers to gathering secret or strategic information, often in a security or espionage context.

marshaling support

Implies gathering backing or advocacy, often for a cause or campaign.

amassing knowledge

Highlights the process of gathering a large amount of information or expertise over time.

FAQs

How can I use "gathering evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "gathering evidence" to describe the process of collecting information to support a claim, argument, or investigation. For example, "The police are "gathering evidence" at the crime scene".

What's a more formal way to say "gathering evidence"?

A more formal alternative to "gathering evidence" could be "compiling documentation" or "obtaining proof" depending on the specific context and type of evidence being collected.

Is "collecting evidence" the same as "gathering evidence"?

"Collecting evidence" is very similar to "gathering evidence" and is often interchangeable. Both phrases refer to the process of accumulating information to support a claim or investigation. The nuances are very small, so the interchangeable can depend on context.

What are some contexts where "gathering evidence" is commonly used?

"Gathering evidence" is frequently used in legal, scientific, and investigative contexts. You might see it in news reports about criminal investigations, scientific studies "collecting data", or historical research assembling documentation.