gathering information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gathering information' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to collecting data or researching facts. For example: "The detective spent the day gathering information about the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was gathering information".

The New York Times

"He's gathering information.

The New York Times - Sports

She started gathering information.

The New York Times

"They're really gathering information..

The Washington Post

It's about gathering information, enlisting support".

The New Yorker

"They are gathering information at various sites".

The New York Times - Sports

For now, they are still gathering information.

The New York Times

Parcells is gathering information, moving slowly.

The New York Times - Sports

It's about gathering information," Blacker says.

Stanford University

Mr. Petacque specialized in gathering information; others wrote the articles.

The New York Times

"We are gathering information about their location and strength".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be clear about the purpose and scope of your "gathering information" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "gathering information" is perfectly acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "learning about", "finding out", or "exploring" for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gathering information" is as a gerund phrase, functioning as a noun. It describes the activity of collecting data or facts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gathering information" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that describes the process of acquiring knowledge or data. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral, consider synonyms such as "collecting data" or "conducting research" for a more formal tone. To enhance your writing, avoid overuse and explore alternatives like "learning about" or "finding out" for a more engaging style. Always ensure that you are clear about the purpose and scope of your information gathering to avoid ambiguity in your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collecting data

Focuses specifically on collecting facts and figures rather than general information.

conducting research

Implies a more structured and in-depth investigation than simply gathering information.

acquiring knowledge

Emphasizes the result of the process – gaining understanding – rather than the process itself.

obtaining intelligence

Suggests gathering secret or strategic information.

compiling data

Focuses on the assembly of information, often from multiple sources, into a structured format.

investigating facts

Highlights the scrutiny and verification of information to establish truth.

assessing the situation

Incorporates information gathering as part of evaluating circumstances or problems.

fact-finding mission

Highlights the purpose, which is to discover relevant facts, usually in an official or investigative context.

canvassing opinions

Specifically refers to collecting opinions from a group of people.

monitoring activity

Implies an ongoing process of gathering information about a specific subject or area.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathering information" to describe the process of collecting data or facts for a specific purpose. For example, "The detective is "gathering information" to solve the case."

What are some alternatives to "gathering information"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collecting data", "conducting research", or "acquiring knowledge".

Is "gathering information" formal or informal?

"Gathering information" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "conducting research".

What's the difference between "gathering information" and "collecting data"?

"Gathering information" is a broader term that encompasses collecting various types of information, while "collecting data" specifically refers to gathering numerical or factual data for analysis.