What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collect
Example
She collects stamps from different countries. [collect: verb]
Example
He has been collecting baseball cards since he was a child. [collecting: gerund or present participle]
gather
Example
Let's gather all the toys and put them back in the box. [gather: verb]
Example
The students gathered in the library to study for their exams. [gathered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gather is more commonly used than collect in everyday language. Gather has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts, while collect is more specific and often associated with hobbies or collecting items.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between collect and gather?
Both collect and gather can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, gather is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, making it suitable for various situations.
