start collecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start collecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to begin the process of gathering items, data, or information. Example: "If you're interested in stamps, you should start collecting them from different countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When did you start collecting?

The New York Times - Magazine

How did you start collecting these toys?

The New York Times - Magazine

We start collecting the children from school at about 2pm.

The Guardian

(Kickstarter doesn't start collecting cash until the initial target).

The Economist

"I don't know how it is you start collecting.

The New Yorker

Then I thought maybe I should start collecting".

The New York Times

"Start collecting URLs for cops, city government," Doyon tweeted.

The New Yorker

Dow didn't start collecting that data until 2010.

The Guardian

He thinks it's time for me to start collecting something.

The Guardian - Books

Jordan had to vanquish Detroit before he could start collecting rings.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing to do now, but to start collecting records for next year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to "start collecting", specify the type of items to collect for clarity and relevance. For instance, "start collecting data on customer preferences" is more effective than a general statement.

Common error

Avoid using "start collecting" without a clear object. Saying "start collecting" without specifying what to collect can lead to ambiguity and lack of direction. Provide specifics, like "start collecting feedback" or "start collecting vintage postcards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start collecting" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase, used to initiate an action of gathering or accumulating items, information, or other resources. It prompts the commencement of a collecting activity, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start collecting" is a versatile and commonly used imperative verb phrase that encourages the beginning of an accumulation process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal hobbies to formal data gathering. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and is predominantly found in news and media sources, as well as wikis. When using "start collecting", it's crucial to specify the object of collection to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Considering the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, mastering the usage of "start collecting" can significantly enhance one's communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin gathering

Emphasizes the act of bringing things together from different locations or sources, slightly more formal.

initiate accumulating

Focuses on the gradual increase in quantity, suggesting a longer-term process; more formal.

embark on acquiring

Focuses on the process of gaining possessions, implying a dedication to adding more items to the collection

commence amassing

Implies the gathering of a large quantity, often with a sense of purpose or value; very formal.

kick off building

Implies starting the process of constructing a collection, with the expectation that it'll be developed over time.

take up assembling

Highlights the act of putting different parts together, applicable to collections with components; suitable in specific contexts.

get into hoarding

Suggests a less organized and potentially excessive form of collecting, often implying a psychological aspect; informal.

launch a compilation

Focuses on gathering items with the intention of creating something unified, like a playlist or book; more specific.

develop a stockpile

Implies accumulating a reserve of something for future use, usually materials or supplies; context-dependent.

cultivate a group

Suggests the nurturing and development of a collection of living things, like plants or animals; can be metaphoric.

FAQs

How can I use "start collecting" in a sentence?

You can use "start collecting" to suggest beginning an activity of gathering or accumulating items. For example, "If you're interested in birds, you should start collecting field guides" or "We need to start collecting data for the marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "start collecting"?

You can use alternatives like "begin gathering", "initiate accumulating", or "commence amassing" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "start collecting" or "begin collecting"?

Both "start collecting" and "begin collecting" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. "Start collecting" is slightly more informal and common in everyday conversation, while "begin collecting" may be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "start collecting" and "continue collecting"?

"Start collecting" implies the initiation of a collection, whereas "continue collecting" suggests that the collection is already in progress and should be maintained or expanded. The former is about beginning, while the latter is about persistence.