to collect

USAGE SUMMARY

"to collect" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used as an infinitive verb, either alone or in a phrase (e.g. "to collect information", "to collect evidence"). For example: I went to the library to collect more research on the topic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To collect taxes.

The Economist

What to collect?

The New York Times

To collect his payoff.

The New Yorker

Her goal: to collect glass.

The New York Times

"You have to collect money.

The New York Times - Sports

He stopped to collect himself.

The New Yorker

Charities are competing to collect.

The New York Times

"Coupons are 'costly' to collect.

The New York Times

I used to collect cats.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wagstaff began to collect silver.

The New Yorker

But how best to collect it?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to collect" in formal writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "to compile" or "to accumulate" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "to collect" when more descriptive verbs like "to pick up", "to grab", or "to snag" would be more appropriate in informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to collect" is as an infinitive verb. It typically functions as a verb in a sentence, often indicating an action of gathering or accumulating something. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, such as "to collect taxes" or "to collect donations".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to collect" functions as an infinitive verb with a broad range of applications, primarily denoting the action of gathering or accumulating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its usage spans from formal contexts like news reports and scientific articles to more informal settings. When writing, remember that while "to collect" is versatile, choosing more specific verbs can enhance precision and clarity. For example, consider "to gather" or "to accumulate" for greater nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gather

This alternative focuses on the act of bringing things together from different locations.

to accumulate

This alternative emphasizes a gradual increase in quantity over time.

to assemble

This alternative suggests collecting components to form a whole.

to compile

This alternative refers to systematically gathering and organizing information.

to amass

This alternative implies collecting a large quantity of something, often of value.

to garner

This alternative suggests collecting something, often positive, through effort.

to retrieve

This alternative focuses on getting something back, often from storage.

to extract

This alternative suggests removing or obtaining something from a source.

to procure

This alternative implies obtaining something, often with some difficulty or effort.

to round up

This alternative suggests gathering people or animals, often in a coordinated effort.

FAQs

How can I use "to collect" in a sentence?

You can use "to collect" to describe gathering things, like "I went to the post office "to collect" my package" or accumulating items, like "She loves "to collect" stamps".

What can I say instead of "to collect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to gather", "to accumulate", or "to compile".

Is it correct to say "collecting" instead of "to collect"?

Yes, "collecting" can be used as a gerund or participle. For example, "Collecting stamps is her hobby" (gerund) or "He was collecting data for his research" (participle).

What is the difference between "to collect" and "to harvest"?

"To collect" generally means to gather or accumulate, while "to harvest" specifically refers to gathering crops or natural resources. For example, you collect stamps, but you harvest wheat.