gather data
/ˈɡæðər ˈdeɪtə/
Meaning
To collect facts, statistics, or information from various sources for the purpose of analysis, research, or decision-making. It is a fundamental phrase in scientific, academic, and business research contexts.
Examples
-
The researchers used online surveys to gather data from over five hundred participants.
The researchers used online surveys to gather data from over five hundred participants.
-
Before we can draw any conclusions, we need to gather data over a longer period.
Before we can draw any conclusions, we need to gather data over a longer period.
-
The environmental agency deployed sensors to gather data on air quality in the city.
The environmental agency deployed sensors to gather data on air quality in the city.
-
It took the graduate student three months to gather data for her doctoral thesis.
It took the graduate student three months to gather data for her doctoral thesis.
-
Our primary objective this week is to gather data regarding local wildlife migration patterns.
Our primary objective this week is to gather data regarding local wildlife migration patterns.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ They spent weeks trying to take data for their chemistry project.
✓ They spent weeks trying to gather data for their chemistry project.
Do not use 'take' when collecting research information; use 'gather' or 'collect'.
-
✗ The app was designed to gather datas from the users' smartphones.
✓ The app was designed to gather data from the users' smartphones.
'Data' is an uncountable noun in this context and does not take a plural '-s'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
To test our hypothesis, we must first ___ from a wider variety of sources.
💡 This means to bring together information for analysis.
Show answer
gather data
-
The telescope was built specifically to ___ on distant galaxies.
💡 Use the verb meaning 'to assemble' paired with the word for information.
Show answer
gather data