it was gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of accumulation or collection, often in reference to things like clouds, crowds, or information. Example: "As the storm approached, it was gathering dark clouds that threatened to unleash heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Any change to Ripa could have implications for firms which have intercepted data without permission, such as Google, which accidentally collected huge amounts of private data on unsecured wi-fi networks when it was gathering information for its Street View service.

BBC

Microsoft's response document refers to allegations made by the European regulator that the company misled five or six of its customers by not informing them that data it was gathering was to be submitted in its defense, according to Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Japan defended its annual Southern Ocean whale hunt, saying it was gathering scientific data.

The Guardian

Google was criticised after it emerged that while it was gathering the images for its Street View site, it was also collecting information on email addresses and passwords.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet Safeway, a British retailer, eliminated its customer-loyalty card when it realised it was gathering mountains of data without being able to use it.

The Economist

Ireland's Data Protection Commission, which is responsible for overseeing Facebook in the region, said it was gathering information and establishing the scope of its inquiry.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It's slowly being put together by David Lynch directing and it's gathering its last parts now.

Huffington Post

The charity said it is gathering data to prove its treatment is effective.

BBC

It's gathering speed.

Yale University

Meanwhile, a grass-roots campaign against it is gathering momentum.

Harvard University

It is gathering speed and has no last stop.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was gathering" to describe the gradual accumulation of tangible or intangible things, such as information, support, or momentum. Be mindful of the subject to ensure the verb choice is appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "it was gathering" to describe something stationary or unchanging. This phrase implies a dynamic process of accumulation, so ensure the subject reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was gathering" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was gathering" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of accumulation or development in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and appears frequently across various sources. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using "it was gathering", be mindful of selecting appropriate subjects that reflect a dynamic process. Synonyms like "it was accumulating" or "it was collecting" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was accumulating

Emphasizes a gradual increase or build-up over time.

it was collecting

Focuses on the act of bringing things together into a group.

it was compiling

Suggests the systematic arrangement of information or data.

it was assembling

Implies the gathering of components to form a whole.

it was amassing

Indicates the collection of something in large quantities, often wealth or power.

it was building up

Highlights the gradual increase of something, often pressure or tension.

it was developing

Focuses on the progression or growth of something over time.

it was forming

Suggests the creation or establishment of something.

it was converging

Implies elements coming together from different directions.

it was intensifying

Emphasizes the increasing strength or force of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was gathering" in a sentence?

Use "it was gathering" to describe a process of accumulation or collection. For example, "The crowd "it was gathering" quickly" or "The company "it was gathering" data for its report".

What are some alternatives to "it was gathering"?

Alternatives include "it was accumulating", "it was collecting", or "it was compiling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was gathering" formal or informal?

"It was gathering" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from a more precise synonym.

What's the difference between "it was gathering" and "it had gathered"?

"It was gathering" describes an ongoing process of accumulation, while "it had gathered" indicates that the process of accumulation was completed at some point in the past. For example, ""it was gathering" momentum" (process is ongoing) versus "it had gathered enough support" (process is complete).