What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glean
Example
I was able to glean some useful tips from the article. [glean: verb]
Example
The farmers were gleaning the fields after the harvest. [gleaning: gerund or present participle]
collect
Example
I need to collect all the papers for the meeting. [collect: verb]
Example
She has been collecting stamps since she was a child. [collecting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Collect is more commonly used than glean in everyday language. Collect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glean is less common and often associated with research or investigation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between glean and collect?
While glean is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, collect is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.