it is collecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is collecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing action or process of gathering or accumulating something, such as data, information, or objects. Example: "The sensor is active, and it is collecting data on temperature fluctuations throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

As Columbia ventures further and faster than its peers -- it is collecting more in patents and royalties than any other university -- it is the focus of concern and envy.

The New York Times

The local police have only just started collecting statistics on crime against business, and the Chamber of Commerce has yet to collate the information it is collecting from its members.

The Economist

The resolving power of a telescope is determined by the ratio of its size to the wavelength of the radiation it is collecting.

The Economist

It is collecting itself," the foreign minister wrote.

The Economist

It is collecting stories and other verbal material specific to the cultures of the participants.

The Economist

Andersen has retained several companies to help it sort through data it is collecting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It is collected.

The New Yorker

No doubt it is collected, but it is not shown in the HFEA guide.

The Guardian

This is time sensitive and the earlier it is collected, the better.

The Guardian

Some of it is collected without users being aware of it.

The Economist

The separated oil can be reused after it is collected.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is collecting", ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined and the object being collected is specified for clarity. For example, "The sensor is active, and it is collecting data on temperature fluctuations throughout the day."

Common error

Avoid using "it is collecting" when the antecedent of "it" is unclear, as this can lead to confusion. Instead, explicitly state the subject performing the action. For example, instead of "The process is running, and it is collecting data", write "The data logger is collecting data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is collecting" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples showing its application across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is collecting" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing action of gathering or accumulating. Ludwig's analysis shows it's prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in pronoun reference and specify the object being collected. Alternatives like "it is gathering" or "it is accumulating" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and understood in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is gathering

Replaces "collecting" with a synonym that also implies bringing things together.

it is accumulating

Focuses on the gradual increase in quantity over time.

it is compiling

Implies gathering information or data into a structured format.

it is assembling

Suggests a structured gathering of components.

it is amassing

Emphasizes the large quantity being gathered.

it is accruing

Highlights the gradual accumulation of something, often over time.

it is obtaining

Focuses on the act of gaining or acquiring something.

it is acquiring

Similar to obtaining, but may suggest a more deliberate effort.

it is harvesting

Implies gathering a yield or crop, either literally or figuratively.

it is storing up

Emphasizes the act of collecting for future use.

FAQs

How can I use "it is collecting" in a sentence?

Use "it is collecting" to describe an ongoing action where something is being gathered or accumulated. For example, "The organization is conducting a survey, and "it is collecting" valuable feedback from its members."

What are some alternatives to "it is collecting"?

You can use alternatives like "it is gathering", "it is accumulating", or "it is compiling" depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Which is more appropriate, "it is collecting" or "it is collected"?

"It is collecting" describes an ongoing action, while "it is collected" describes a completed action or a state. Use "it is collecting" when the action is currently happening and "it is collected" when the action is finished.

What's the difference between "it is collecting" and "it gathers"?

"It is collecting" implies a continuous or ongoing process of gathering. "It gathers" implies a habitual or general action. For example, "The system is real-time, so "it is collecting" data as we speak" vs "The sensor "it gathers" data at regular intervals".