What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collect
Example
She likes to collect stamps from different countries. [collect: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to collect data for their science project. [collect: verb]
compile
Example
He compiled all the research findings into a detailed report. [compile: verb]
Example
The librarian compiled a list of recommended books for the summer reading program. [compiled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Collect is more commonly used than compile in everyday language. Collect is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while compile is more specific and often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collect and compile?
While collect is generally considered informal, compile is more formal and often used in academic, professional, or technical contexts.
