start gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

"start gathering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of an action or activity, such as, "Let's start gathering the ingredients for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The market didn't start gathering steam until Jan . 15.

The New York Times

But do not start gathering Home Depot receipts yet.

The New York Times

As the political lives of both men wind down, new pretenders start gathering in the wings.

The Guardian - Books

KAGRA, a detector under construction deep underground in Japan, might start gathering data by late 2019.

Nature

Once your class has got the hang of the numbers, they can start gathering their own data to create statistics.

The Guardian

If so, then start gathering all the knowledge you'll need to set forth on your great writing adventure.

The Guardian - Books

"Come up with formats that are sustainable and easy for you to produce, and start gathering an audience for yourself.

The Guardian - Tech

The Americans will start gathering on Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., training for three days before they head to Barbados.

The New York Times - Sports

When Arthur Brooks arrived and urged AEI to start gathering this data, the organization ranked fourth on this measure.

Harvard Business Review

Afterward, Tarantino and I are standing outside, when kids milling about start gathering up the nerve to approach him.

The New York Times

We need to start gathering some data so that people in the industry can make decisions to give supporters the best customer experience".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone when writing "start gathering" and choose synonyms, such as "begin compiling", to convey the appropriate nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "start gathering" with abstract nouns that are not typically collected, such as "start gathering happiness". Choose more fitting verbs like "cultivate" or "seek" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start gathering" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically involves initiating the process of collecting or accumulating items, information, or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start gathering" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the beginning of a collection or accumulation process. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's suitable across diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific research to general instructions. Its frequency is very common, and while generally neutral, its formality can be adjusted with synonyms like "begin collecting" or "initiate compiling" for more formal settings. When employing "start gathering", specify what is being collected to enhance clarity and avoid overuse with abstract nouns that aren't typically collected. Top sources include authoritative publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin collecting

Emphasizes the initial action of acquiring items or information.

commence accumulating

Highlights the beginning of a gradual increase or build-up of something.

initiate compiling

Focuses on starting the process of assembling information or data.

kick off amassing

Suggests an energetic start to the process of gathering a large quantity.

set about assembling

Implies a deliberate and organized approach to beginning a collection.

get down to accumulating

Suggests beginning a process in a practical, task-oriented manner.

embark on compiling

Signals the start of a systematic information gathering exercise.

launch acquisition

Emphasizes the beginning of an organized process of procuring assets.

undertake collating

Highlights the start of gathering and arranging information.

set in motion accumulation

Highlights the start of a gradual increase or build-up of something, giving emphasis to the beginning of the whole process.

FAQs

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

You can use "start gathering" to indicate the beginning of collecting something, like "Let's start gathering the necessary documents" or "We should start gathering information about the project."

What's a good alternative to "start gathering"?

Alternatives include "begin collecting", "commence accumulating", or "initiate compiling", depending on the context and what you are gathering.

When is it appropriate to use "start gathering" in formal writing?

"Start gathering" is generally suitable for most contexts, including formal writing. However, for very formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "commence accumulating" or "initiate compiling" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a difference between "start gathering" and "begin collecting"?

While similar, "start gathering" is a slightly broader term. "Begin collecting" often implies a more systematic or intentional effort to acquire items or information, whereas "start gathering" can also refer to a more casual or less structured process.