i gather that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I gather that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to convey that the speaker has come to a conclusion based on the information or evidence presented. Example: "I gather that you will not be attending the meeting tomorrow." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their understanding that the other person will not be present at the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I gather that £500m of cuts are sought from universities.

The Guardian - Business

I gather that Barclays rejected more creative signage proposed by Pentagram, the design firm.

The New York Times - Arts

I gather that improvisation is not encouraged on the Mad Men set.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I gather that was a racist Pakistani way of saying that they can stage a mugging in New York to get rid of people the government doesn't like.

The New York Times

By dispensing with an interval, although I gather that changed for the West End transfer, Doran made the play an event of mounting, rather than dwindling, theatrical excitement.

The Guardian

"I know he played for England at schoolboy level, but I gather that qualification depended on the location of your school.

The Guardian - Sport

I gather that MySpace has just two people internationally on mobile.

TechCrunch

Finally, I gather that Ranger has been spending quite a bit of time in the U.S. lately, possibly regarding partnerships and a bigger push States-side.

TechCrunch

I've not seen "Coming Home" by Zhang Yimou, China's greatest filmmaker, but I gather that Gong Li is tremendous.

Huffington Post

I gather that you're both fathers.

The Guardian - Music

I gather that people frequently assume you're a lesbian.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I gather that" when you want to convey that you've formed an understanding or conclusion based on the information available to you. It's a polite and slightly formal way to introduce your understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I gather that" excessively in very informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I understand" or "I think" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I gather that" functions as a preface to a statement, indicating the speaker's understanding or conclusion based on available information. According to Ludwig, it is commonly used to convey a deduction or inference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I gather that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conclusion or understanding based on available information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, leaning slightly towards formality, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly informal settings. Alternatives like "I understand that" or "I believe that" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Ultimately, understanding the context and nuances of "I gather that" allows for its effective and appropriate use in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understand that

Replaces "gather" with "understand", suggesting a comprehension of the information.

I understand

Shorter version that implies understanding without explicitly stating "that".

From what I understand

Emphasizes that the understanding is based on the information available.

I believe that

Indicates a belief based on the information, rather than a direct understanding.

I assume that

Suggests an assumption is being made, which may not be fully confirmed.

I surmise that

Uses "surmise" to imply a conclusion reached through inference.

I deduce that

Replaces "gather" with "deduce", indicating a logical conclusion.

I infer that

Uses "infer" to suggest drawing a conclusion from indirect evidence.

I conclude that

Suggests a final decision has been reached based on the information.

It seems that

Impersonal way of expressing a conclusion based on observation.

FAQs

How can I use "I gather that" in a sentence?

Use "I gather that" to introduce an understanding or conclusion you've reached based on available information. For example, "I gather that the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to "I gather that"?

You can use alternatives like "I understand that", "I believe that", or "I assume that" depending on the context.

Is "I gather that" formal or informal?

"I gather that" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "I gather that" and "I think that"?

"I gather that" implies that your understanding is based on some evidence or information, while "I think that" simply expresses your opinion or belief without necessarily having a basis in external information.