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Vocabulary: Gather + Collect

Updated: May 2

How do we use 'gather' and 'collect' in English?




GATHER = bring together


Gather is both a transitive verb (needs a direct object to express a full thought)

and intransitive (can stand alone).


For example:

I gathered my family to tell them the news. (transitive)

We gather around the Christmas tree to open presents. (intransitive)


To come together or bring people together in one place or group:

Gather with friends

Gather around something (a fire, the TV, the Christmas tree, etc.)

Gather together

Gather into groups

Gather on something (campus, the beach, etc.)

Gather in (public, private, etc.)


To bring things together that have been spread around:

Gather belongings

Gather up paper

Gather mushrooms/berries

Gather flowers

Gather coins


Other expressions to use:

Gather courage

Gather strength



COLLECT = gather and keep; keep something as a hobby


Collect is always transitive (needs an object to express a full thought).


collect payments

collect garbage

collect interest

collect data

collect research

collect garbage

collect recycling


hobby:

collect stamps

collect stickers

collect books



BOTH:

gather/collect information

gather/collect data

gather/collect intelligence



Jenny Mae





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