gathering place

USAGE SUMMARY

'gathering place' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to either a physical location such as a park, a plaza, or a public square; or a figurative place such as an online forum or a website. For example, "My neighbors and I have chosen the town square as our gathering place for the annual block party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a great family gathering place and our escape zone.

The New York Times

"It is truly a community gathering place," Ms. LaVine says.

The New York Times

"Oahu means 'the gathering place' and is the core of Hawaii".

BBC

It is also not some large, green, lush, gathering place.

Huffington Post

(Choupal means "village gathering place" in Hindi).

The Economist

It has become the town's gathering place.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He'd be in the gathering place".

The New York Times

"This is a community gathering place.

The New York Times

"This provides that community gathering place".

The New York Times

We think it's a great gathering place for female fans".

The New York Times

Now, with consolidation, there is one such gathering place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "gathering place", provide specific details about its atmosphere, purpose, and the types of people who frequent it. This helps create a vivid and engaging image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a place is a "gathering place" without elaborating on its unique qualities. Instead, focus on what makes it special and why people choose to congregate there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering place" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific location or space that serves as a meeting point for people. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathering place" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a location where people regularly meet or congregate. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance. Analysis of various sources indicates its prevalence in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When writing about a "gathering place", it's best to provide specific details about its atmosphere and purpose to create a more engaging image for the reader. Related phrases like "meeting point" or "social hub" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting point

Focuses on the act of converging at a specific location.

social hub

Emphasizes the social interactions and community aspect of the location.

community center

Highlights the communal ownership and activities of the space.

assembly area

Suggests a more formal or organized gathering.

rendezvous spot

Implies a pre-arranged or secret meeting location.

hotspot

Highlights popularity and activity within a certain location.

common ground

Implies a shared interest or agreement that brings people together, metaphorically.

focal point

Highlights a central location that draws attention or activity.

hangout

Suggests an informal and casual place for socializing.

epicenter

Implies a central or crucial point of activity, often related to events.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathering place" to describe a physical location where people meet, such as "The park became a popular "gathering place" for families on weekends" or a virtual space like "The online forum served as a "gathering place" for enthusiasts".

What are some alternatives to "gathering place"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "meeting point", "social hub", or "community center".

Is "gathering place" formal or informal?

"Gathering place" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "gathering place" and "meeting point"?

While both terms refer to locations where people come together, "gathering place" implies a more continuous or recurring use, whereas "meeting point" often suggests a specific, one-time arrangement.