Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were collected from
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were collected from" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the source or origin of information, data, or evidence. Here are some examples: 1. The survey results were collected from a diverse group of participants across the country. 2. The specimens on display were collected from various regions of the world. 3. The statistical data were collected from government sources and academic studies. 4. The quotes in the book were collected from interviews with experts in the field. 5. These artifacts were collected from archaeological excavations at the site.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
were assembled from
were provided by
came from
were acquired from
were extracted from
were driven from
were accumulated from
originated from
were removed from
were elicited from
were drawn from
were constructed from
were taken from
were selected from
were perceived from
were derived from
were sourced from
were received from
were obtained from
were compiled from
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
First HTML tables were collected from Wikipedia.
News & Media
Sales numbers and graphs were collected from VGChartz.
News & Media
Data were collected from 13 key informants.
Science
Data were collected from direct observations.
Science
Results: Data were collected from 126 patients.
Science
Data were collected from two synchronized experiments.
Initial data were collected from hospital charts.
Responses were collected from 757 participants (31%).
Science
Data were collected from 57 patients.
Data were collected from Isfahan province, Iran.
Science
The data were collected from 88 households.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use active voice when possible for conciseness, but "were collected from" is appropriate when emphasizing the source or when the collector is unknown or unimportant.
Common error
Avoid using "were collected from" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive. Consider rephrasing the sentence in active voice if the actor is known and relevant.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were collected from" functions as a passive construction, indicating the source or origin of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes the source of information or items, rather than who collected them.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
15%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
1%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "were collected from" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the source or origin of data, samples, or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly scientific and news reporting, where specifying the source is important. While the passive voice can be overused, this phrase is appropriate when emphasizing the source or when the collector is unknown. Remember to use active voice when possible for greater conciseness. Consider using alternatives like "were obtained from" or "were gathered from" for variety.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
were gathered from
Similar to "were collected from", but emphasizes a process of accumulation.
were obtained from
Focuses on the act of acquiring something from a source.
were sourced from
Highlights the act of finding a supply or source.
originated from
Emphasizes the point of origin or beginning.
were derived from
Indicates that something is developed or obtained from a source.
were extracted from
Highlights the action of taking something out of something else.
were drawn from
Implies that information or conclusions were taken or inferred from a source.
came from
A simpler, more direct way to express origin.
were assembled from
Suggests the combination of items taken from various sources.
stemmed from
Indicates that something originated or developed from a particular source or cause.
FAQs
How can I use "were collected from" in a sentence?
You can use "were collected from" to indicate the source of something, like "The data "were collected from" various surveys".
What are some alternatives to "were collected from"?
Alternatives include "were obtained from", "were gathered from", or "originated from", depending on the specific context.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "collected from"?
While "were collected from" is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "We collected data from... ") can make your writing more direct and engaging.
What's the difference between "were collected from" and "originated from"?
"Were collected from" refers to the gathering of items or information, while "originated from" indicates the source or beginning of something.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested