he collects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he collects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's hobby or activity of gathering items, such as stamps, coins, or other collectibles. Example: "He collects rare coins from different countries, showcasing them in a beautifully arranged display."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He collects swords.

The New Yorker

After work, he collects skulls.

The New York Times - Science

He collects interesting, valuable objects.

The New Yorker

And he collects anecdotes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He collects model trains".

The New Yorker

He collects antique cars.

The New York Times - Travel

He collects awards like others do stamps.

Independent

He collects and discards art.

The Guardian - Opinion

He collects stuffed puffa fish.

The Guardian - Travel

(He collects and drives Jaguars).

The New York Times

He collects jokes, which he solemnly records.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he collects", specify what he collects to provide context and clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "he collects", say "he collects stamps".

Common error

Don't use "he collects" without specifying what is being collected. This can leave the reader confused. Always clarify the object of collection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he collects" functions as a simple declarative statement, where "he" is the subject and "collects" is the verb indicating an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatical and usable in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he collects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing someone's hobby or habit of gathering items. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It's generally used in a neutral tone, with its formality influenced by the context. Common usage includes describing hobbies, interests, or even professional activities related to data collection. To avoid vagueness, it's best practice to specify what is being collected. The phrase is very common in news media and fairly unusual in academic or scientific contexts. Related phrases include "he gathers", "he accumulates" and "he acquires".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he gathers

Simple synonym replacing "collects" with "gathers", implying a more active acquisition.

he accumulates

Suggests a gradual increase in quantity over time, possibly without specific intent.

he amasses

Implies gathering a large quantity, often suggesting wealth or power.

he compiles

Suggests gathering information or data into a structured form.

he acquires

Focuses on the act of obtaining possessions.

he curates

Implies selecting and organizing items for display or preservation, often in an artistic context.

he hoards

Suggests keeping a large quantity of something, often secretly and compulsively.

he picks up

Informal, suggests casually finding or acquiring items.

he assembles

Focuses on bringing together separate parts into a whole.

he procures

Implies obtaining something with effort or difficulty.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he collects"?

You can use alternatives like "he gathers", "he accumulates", or "he acquires" depending on the context.

How to use "he collects" in a sentence?

To use "he collects" effectively, follow it with the items or objects someone gathers, such as "He collects rare books" or "He collects vintage cars".

Is it correct to say "he is collecting" instead of "he collects"?

Yes, "he is collecting" is also correct and describes an ongoing or current action, while "he collects" describes a habitual or general activity. For example, "He is collecting data for his research" versus "He collects stamps as a hobby".

What's the difference between "he collects" and "he hoards"?

"He collects" implies a curated and intentional gathering of items, often with a purpose or appreciation. On the other hand, "he hoards" suggests an excessive and often disorganized accumulation, possibly with negative connotations.