we collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we collected" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. Example: We collected all of the toys and donated them to the orphanage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We collected his body".

The New York Times

"That's why we collected it.

The New York Times

Six weeks, we collected those tokens.

The Guardian - Sport

"We collected the world's best team.

The Guardian - Tech

"We collected them for 40 years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We collected and examined over 100,000 pages of records.

The New York Times

We collected our hire cars and journeyed south to Heilbronn.

The Guardian - Sport

So instead we collected stones to cover their bodies".

The Guardian

We collected 7,311 signatures in a monumental community effort".

The Guardian

So we collected her for her own safety".

The New York Times

"I want to be sure we collected everything correctly".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we collected", clearly specify what was collected and the method of collection for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "we collected" without specifying what was collected. For example, instead of saying "we collected data", specify "we collected demographic data from participants".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we collected" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of gathering or accumulating something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct phrase. The examples show its use in various contexts like collecting data, items, or signatures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we collected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing the action of gathering or obtaining something. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it is applicable across numerous contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase is primarily used to convey information about the act of accumulation or gathering, and has a neutral register. For best practice, be sure to clearly specify what was collected. Common alternatives include "we gathered", "we obtained", and "we compiled", each with slightly different nuances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules, making it a safe and effective choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we gathered

Replaces "collected" with a synonym, emphasizing the act of bringing things together.

we obtained

Focuses on the acquisition aspect, suggesting effort or process in getting something.

we assembled

Suggests a more structured and organized gathering of items or data.

we acquired

Similar to "obtained", but can imply a more formal or long-term accumulation.

we compiled

Highlights the systematic gathering of information into a structured format.

we accumulated

Emphasizes the gradual increase in quantity over time.

we harvested

Suggests gathering something, often crops or data, after a period of growth or development.

we extracted

Implies carefully taking something out from a larger source.

we rounded up

Suggests gathering people or animals, often from a wide area.

we secured

Emphasizes obtaining something with effort or ensuring its possession.

FAQs

How can I use "we collected" in a sentence?

You can use "we collected" to describe the action of gathering or obtaining something. For example, "We collected data from various sources for our research."

What are some alternatives to "we collected"?

Alternatives include "we gathered", "we obtained", or "we compiled", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "we collected data" or "we gathered data"?

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Collected" is slightly more formal, while "gathered data" is a bit more general.

What's the difference between "we collected" and "we analyzed"?

"We collected" refers to the act of gathering information or items, while "we analyzed" refers to the process of examining and interpreting that information.