I often hear people who work with data use the wrong subject-verb agreement for the word data. Favorite this tweet if you prefer "is" in most cases. In scientific and academic writing, plural verbs and pronouns are preferred.” (As a bonus, “Use databank and database, but data processing (n. and adj.) However, before we can address this fully, we need to review a couple of linguistic concepts. It's a word we use every day here on the Datablog - but are we getting it completely wrong? Most singular nouns are made plural by adding an "s", or perhaps "es," to the end of the word. Data: Singular or Plural? Consider this sentence: “Self-reported data (is/are) historically unreliable.” “Data” could be used as either a singular or plural noun in the sentence, and both choices would make sense and be grammatically acceptable. One good way to test whether you have a mass noun or a count … Find the answers with Practical English Usage … Straight talking and methodical, Craig Shrives draws on his years compiling Grammar Monster and as an army officer to present a comprehensive but light-hearted and easily digestible grammar reference guide. It’s not the first plural Latin noun to decide that it might be happier as a singular either. “Data” is used far more commonly… Otherwise, generally continue to use the plural: Data are still being collected. (Convenience). And, as we write about data every day, we're either getting it very wrong or very right. National Geographic magazine has debated it too. In this video, Scott Thornbury talks about the word data: should it be followed by a singular or plural verb? In terms of Etymology, data is the plural of 'datum' in Latin. (3) Finding better words. Plural form of datum: pieces of information. (1) Avoiding spelling errors and data center.” (The Grammarly extension works with webmail, social media, and texting apps as well as online forms and Microsoft Office documents like Word. So, over to Guardian style guru David Marsh, who makes the rules in these parts about language use. In fact, scientists currently predict that pedants will be arguing about this long after the heat death of the universe itself. Tables are just that, containers, the table name must describe what it contains, not how much data it contains. The singular form (i.e., the word for a single fact or piece of information) was “datum.” As such, we might say something like the following: This datum is not significant in itself, but the combined data are hard to deny. Plural nouns take plural verbs, so data should be followed by a plural verb. There is a single objective reality we all live in. But are we saying it right? Data has been in use in the U.S. since the turn of the century, and has always been used with both singular and plural verbs (This is great data! Use as either singular or plural in meaning but always with a singular verb. Share. The singular form (i.e., the word for a single fact or piece of information) was “datum.” As such, we might say something like the following: This datum is not significant in itself, but the combined data are hard to deny. The question seems easy enough: is data singular or plural? That’s what the copy editor of Creating More Effective Graphs said. These days, you can treat criteria as singular if you wish, but it might irk your readers, so treat it as plural. There is a single objective reality we all live in. For what it's worth, I can confidently say that this will probably be the only time I ever write the word "datum" in a Datablog post. Datum is the singular. Read more about "agenda" being singular or plural, Read more about "criteria" being singular or plural, Buy a grammar book written by Craig Shrives, Download audio books with an Amazon "Audible" account. The Oxford Dictionaries blog, hives the use of the word ‘data’ off into two directions; in scientific and technical writing it’s plural (data are). The Guardian's data journalism workflow. I’ve done some research on this topic from a variety of sources. Data: singular or plural? Data is a pluralised noun from datum, a singular noun. Sometimes, though, treating “data” as a singular or plural noun comes down to personal preference. So, 'the data were analysed' is corrected usage of the word, right? It depends. ), yet “the plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.” But they’re wholly wrong if they suggest that you can’t ever use data with a singular verb. . Along with split infinitives, getting this one wrong offends and delights in equal measure. I can imagine many native speaker ears bleeding at the sound of that sentence when it's read out loud. ), "Smashing Grammar" (2) Information electrically stored in, operated on, or transmitted by computers. Sentences such as ‘data was’ (as well as data were) collected over a number of years are now widely accepted in … Pick a German tutor A collection of object-units that are distinct from one another. We work with data all the time but we're never sure whether to use singular or plural when discussing the topic. In Latin, data would get plural verb agreement. And in that reality, the word "data" is plural. Hint: Data can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking. I use it when relaxing, commuting, and driving. 'Data' - singular or plural. Indeed, Sokolowski pointed to the Merriam-Webster entry for “ data,” which notes that both singular and plural constructions are “standard” in English. (from Preply) Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples. — FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) March 14, 2014 I often hear people who work with data use the wrong subject-verb agreement for the word data. The data show a decrease in visitors to state parks. Singular is 'datum' but it's rare one would have occasion to use the term. The word 'data' is plural.” That’s what my supervisor in my early days in industry at Bell Laboratories insisted. So it is correct to speak of one datum and several data. Traditionally, “data” was a plural. Traditionally, “data” was a plural. All entries conclude with a section highlighting why the grammar point is relevant for a writer and top-level bullet points summarizing the entry. 'Data' - singular or plural. But it's OK for people to say "the data is" instead of "the data are" It really is. The Latin 'data', being the plural of the past participle 'datum' ('given'), should have a plural verb. Data as singular: Our data indicates that children like ice-cream. As usage has evolved from the word's origin as the Latin plural of datum, singular verbs now are often used to refer to collections of information: Little data is available to support the conclusions. Improve this answer. Pick an IELTS tutor English Language Videos Real Vocabulary Is data singular or plural? Having referenda about latin declentions belong in musea. Teach Your Language Online Mass Nouns Versus Count Nouns. I mean, sort of. and data center.” (uncountable, collectively) information. The singular form criterion is widely used, and this is why criteria has retained its plural status. That is, The Times’s style manual allows “data” to be construed as either singular or plural. Scott Thornbury has the answer! In most contexts, the word data refers to specific numerical results and should therefore be treated as a plural count noun, with a corresponding plural verb form. How to use data in a sentence. That’s what the copy editor of Creating More Effective Graphs said. Vocational rather than academic, "Grammar for Grown-ups" is packed with real-life examples and keeps you engaged with a wealth of great quotations from Homer the Greek to Homer the Simpson. The answer is, sure. The word “data” is a Latin word. Unsure the correct "datum point" will catch on though. The Oxford English dictionary defines it like this: In Latin, data is the plural of datum and, historically and in specialized scientific fields , it is also treated as a plural in English, taking a plural verb, as in the data were collected and classified . Life is too short for this kind of nitpicking. Sentences such as data was (as well as data were ) collected over a number of years are now widely accepted in standard English. However, before we can address this fully, we need to review a couple of linguistic concepts. The word “data” comes to English from Latin, in which “datum” is the singular and “data” is the plural. data uncountable or plural noun 1. If you want to emphasize that something is plural, rewrite to use a term such as facts or numbers. “Data” means facts or information; “datum” means one fact or a single item of information. Technically, "data" is a plural noun—it is the plural form of the noun "datum." It may not be good Latin, but we're not speaking Latin. Data is OR data are? The question seems easy enough: is data singular or plural? In modern non-scientific use, however , despite the complaints of traditionalists, it is often not treated as a plural. The debate over whether it should be singular or plural thus continues. Here we'll tackle that question, but before we do, we need to briefly discuss mass nouns and count nouns. English speakers seem to be happier to treat this plural noun as though it were singular and this is what upsets the pedants. Datum is latin for 'a given', and data is the plural, meaning 'the givens.' In fact, scientists currently predict that pedants will be arguing … In this video, Scott Thornbury talks about the word data: is it singular or plural? "Statisticians of a certain age and status refer to them as plural but people like me use it in the singular." While there can only ever be one Brent Spiner, there are two ways we use the word ‘data’. The Quick Answer Treat agenda as singular. The data shows a decrease in visitors to state parks. Do not use datum or data are. @jhugman Data is plural. [More…] The table shows that: In 'high-level' writing on science (Nature), the use of data as a plural is dominant: in more popular writing on science (New Scientist) its use as a singular form is more frequent, though it is still outnumbered by its use as a plural: and in educated everyday usage as represented by the Guardian newspaper, it is nowadays most often used as a singular. The plural in Latin is 'data' and this is the word that programmers have adopted to describe a collection of known facts. However, I feel that the pedantic use of a plural verb is a bit of an affectation. Concerning singular versus plural table names, the subject seems to be controversial, but it shouldn't be. It states, “(Data) typically takes singular verbs and pronouns when writing for general audiences and in data journalism contexts: The data is sound. Download Grammarly's browser extension. To help clear up any confusion regarding the proper use of these terms, I list examples of datum and data … I doubt that the ancient Romans would recognise the current usage of 'data', … The ONS style guide for those writing official statistics says: The word data is a plural noun so write "data are". I gather that some faithful After Deadline readers find this permissiveness hard to stomach. Technically the singular is datum/agendum, but we feel it sounds increasingly hyper-correct, old-fashioned and pompous to say "the data are". And what is wrong with datum for a single item of data? English Language Videos Real Vocabulary Is data singular or plural? "We don't have an official view," he says. It depends on the meaning of the sentence, and it depends on whether you’re required to follow a style guide.In my last post 1 (used as a plural noun in technical English, when the singular is datum) Questions about grammar and vocabulary? Unfortunately, the answer is that both usages are standard (1). Data is traditionally the plural of datum. "Grammar for Grown-ups" "Audible" is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks. ), yet “the plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.” Plural. [More…]. WBT WBT. However, over time, the frequency of usage of'datum' has reduced drastically.Having said this, it is accepted in many places that 'data' has both a singular and plural existence. Keep in mind, though, that some people consider the singular data incorrect. The debate over whether it should be singular or plural thus continues. These are great data. Reason 2. The official view from the Office for National Statistics takes the traditional approach. it is easier come out with singular names, than with plural ones. Life is too short for this kind of nitpicking. When data is a count noun (items that can be counted), the plural makes sense. : For example, huge databases have been established of genes that are aberrantly regulated in cancers. He says: It's like agenda, a Latin plural that is now almost universally used as a singular. Usage notes. (2) Correcting grammar errors Data is plural, as in 'These data are depicted below'. Data definition is - factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation. Is data singular or plural? Data is often treated as a plural noun in writing related to science, mathematics, finance, and computing. These are great data. If you like Grammar Monster, you'll love this book. (As a singular/plural test, try to substitute statistics for data: It doesn’t work in the first case — little statistics is available — so the singular is fails to pass muster. 3. Data has been in use in the U.S. since the turn of the century, and has always been used with both singular and plural verbs (This is great data! In scientific and academic writing, plural verbs and pronouns are preferred.” (As a bonus, “Use databank and database, but data processing (n. and adj.) Download video script . Data is traditionally the plural of datum.However, you might see data treated as a singular noun, and you might have wondered whether that’s correct.The answer is, sure. Illustration: Mark McCormick for the Guardian, Commenting has been disabled at this time but you can still, The Oxford English dictionary defines it like this, National Geographic magazine has debated it too, Guardian style guide expresses it like this. In its traditional sense, meaning a collection of facts and figures, the noun can still be plural: [i[They tabulate the data, which arrive from bookstores nationwide[/i] (In this sense, the singular is datum , a word both stilted and deservedly obscure.)" In scientific writing, the word data understandably gets a lot of play time, but writers don't always agree on—and some seemingly can't decide—whether it should be singular or plural. So it is correct to speak of one datum and several data. This word is more often used as an uncountable noun with a singular verb than as a plural noun, with singular datum. Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Is “data” singular or plural? Use as either singular or plural in meaning but always with a singular verb. I don't correct them. These data have been questioned. Is it singular or plural? As shown in the Publication Manual (p. 96), the word datum is singular, and the word data is plural. I only ask because it's a contentious issue. Ie, if we're following the rules of grammar, we shouldn't write "the data is" or "the data shows" but instead "the data are" or "the data show". The jury is still out on this subject as the argument continues, but there are some simple points to take from this debate. Is the word like "agenda," technically the plural of "agendum"? I use it when relaxing, commuting, and driving. When we asked the question a couple of years ago, loads of you debated it in a much-polarised manner on Twitter. This data is useful. If you want to emphasize that something is plural, rewrite to use a term such as facts or numbers. This is certainly the case with the word data. English speakers seem to be happier to treat this plural noun as though it were singular and this is what upsets the pedants. I mean, sort of. It will help with: The data show a decrease in visitors to state parks. Pick a French tutor We work with data all the time but we're never sure whether to use singular or plural when discussing the topic. The historical answer is clear: the Latin datum is singular and data is its plural. The Great ‘Data’ Debate: Singular or Plural? Additionally, the plural concept is more about a spoken language one (actually to determine whether there is one or more). @DerekL Of course data is plural. Even when a very small quantity of data is referenced (one number, for example), the phrase piece of da… [12] British usage now widely accepts treating data as singular in standard English,[13] including everyday newspaper usage[14] at least in non-scientific use. If you need a plural form, use wording like data sets. Download video script . Treat data as singular. The Wall Street Journal has just published this blog post, in which it finally decides to move away from data "are", saying: Most style guides and dictionaries have come to accept the use of the noun data with either singular or plural verbs, and we hereby join the majority. And the Guardian style guide expresses it like this: Data takes a singular verb (like agenda), though strictly a plural; no one ever uses "agendum" or "datum", Search the world's government data with our gateway, Flickr Please post your visualisations and mash-ups on our Flickr group or mail us at datastore@guardian.co.uk, Get the A-Z of data More at the Datastore directory Follow us on Twitter. If we treat 'data' as a plural noun and say 'the data are stored' then that makes us sound old-fashioned to young developers. Follow answered Jan 7 '20 at 15:57. The word 'data' is plural.” That’s what my supervisor in my early days in industry at Bell Laboratories insisted. As shown in the Publication Manual (p. 96), the word datum is singular, and the word data is plural. Here's the root of the matter: strictly-speaking, data is a plural term. Technically, "data" is a plural noun—it is the plural form of the noun "datum." The answer is – both. The Macquarie Dictionary says: ‘The connection between data the plural and datum the singular has been almost completely broken, so that while datum survives in such compounds as datum point, it does not have the frequency of use that data has. This is because data also works as a mass or uncountable noun, like water, air, advice or furniture. @mkdDCC No to datum. "Audible" gives access to thousands of books from the classics to latest best sellers.It gives you instant access to the world's best storytellers and thinkers across all genres and topics. Whichever way we jump we are sure to upset somebody. The Great ‘Data’ Debate: Singular or Plural? Elsewhere, most English speakers treat it as a singular mass noun. Written by the founder of Grammar Monster, "Smashing Grammar" includes a glossary of grammar essentials (from apostrophes to zeugma) and a chapter on easily confused words (from affect/effect to whether/if). 2. 3,270 5 5 gold badges 20 20 silver badges 37 37 bronze badges. “Data” and “datum” are usually used to refer to statistical information or information subject to analysis. They spent many hours searching in commercial databases, looking for abstracts and full-text articles. : Park Air is a world leader in the field of integration, processing and display of data from radars, sensors and databases. Yes. While a table is a collection of multiple records, a table is named after the definition of the one type of record that it contains. Data as a plural term may be the proper usage but language evolves and we want to write in terms that everyone understands - and that don't seem ridiculous. Scott Thornbury has the answer! That is, always use “the data is” (or another appropriate verb) whether you mean a collection of facts (plural) or information (singular). The word “data” is one of those which may correctly take either a singular or plural verb. If we treat 'data' as a plural noun and say 'the data are stored' then that makes us sound old-fashioned to young developers. In scientific writing, data is often treated as a plural, as in These data do not support the conclusions, but the word is also used as a singular mass entity like information (e.g., in … However, you might see data treated as a singular noun, and you might have wondered whether that’s correct. I don't correct them. Most singular nouns are made plural by adding an "s", or perhaps "es," to the end of the word. The Oxford English Dictionary refers to ‘data’ as a “mass noun, similar to a word like information, which cannot normally have a plural and which takes a singular verb. If you are a qualified tutor of your native language and passionate about teaching, you can apply to join Preply's team of online tutors. Preply is currently prioritizing the following languages: Usage of “data” as a singular uncountable noun – in the same way as “information” – is now generally accepted in everyday English, so much so that using the word as a plural countable noun can sound incorrect. So if your formal context is an IEEE venue, the answer is authoritatively "plural." The plural form is agendas. In this video, Scott Thornbury talks about the word data: should it be followed by a singular or plural verb? The word data is a plural noun so write "data are". However, it is used with both singular and plural verbs. Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to … The historical answer, however, may not be a good guide to current usage. Our partner, Preply, has thousands of students of many languages looking for online language tuition. Firstly, it's widely accepted that it is correct to use ' The word “data” is plural, not singular. "Audible" is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks. 4. That is, always use “the data is” (or another appropriate verb) whether you mean a collection of facts (plural) or information (singular). Pick a Spanish tutor. (with Preply) It states, “(Data) typically takes singular verbs and pronouns when writing for general audiences and in data journalism contexts: The data is sound. @holizz Singular data annoys the same people that find split infinitives objectionable - pedants with no understanding of linguistics. Do not use datum or data are. Data is a Latin plural with a singular datum though datum is seldom used on its own any more. And in that reality, the word "data" is plural. Do you disagree with something on this page. It is often taught that data (like media or spectra) is a plural word (the singular is ‘datum’). What all this Latin grammar means is that the plural of datum is data. Hint: Data can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking. We need to relax about the data is/are thing. Still, many of these Latin plurals ending in “a” seem to make a slow transition to singular … Sometimes, though, treating “data” as a singular or plural noun comes down to personal preference. Students raise this question so frequently that it might be best to try to deal with it in general terms: should data be used as a singular or as a plural noun? Datum is the singular. Is data singular or plural? It is the plural of “datum”. What all this Latin grammar means is that the plural of datum is data. Singular vs Plural Table Names: Should Database Table Names Be Singular or Plural? ‘Data’: The English Singular Meaning ‘Information’ But I bet that sounds weird to a lot of you because since the 1940s, people have been using “data” as a singular noun more and more often, especially in general writing. They’re partly right, in that data is the plural form of the Latin datum. Plural nouns take plural verbs, so data should be followed by a plural verb. Unfortunately, the answer is that both usages are standard (1). Instead, it is treated as a mass noun, similar to a word like information, which cannot normally have a plural and which takes a singular verb. But usage has changed. "data is acceptable as a singular term for information: The data was persuasive. If you’re sticking with that history, it should be “Your data are now safe.” “Data.” The patient data are sorted in Table 1. This convention is well established and widely followed in both edited and unedited writing. Is data singular or plural? So, it stands to reason that the word 'data' should be used in a plural form. I’ve also used my own experience in deciding whether singular or plural table names are better. Consider this sentence: “Self-reported data (is/are) historically unreliable.” “Data” could be used as either a singular or plural noun in the sentence, and both choices would make sense and be grammatically acceptable. Chairs make good places to sit. In this video, Scott Thornbury talks about the word data: is it singular or plural? But it's OK for people to say "the data is" instead of "the data are" It really is. Find a Native Language Tutor Whichever way we jump we are sure to upset somebody. While there can only ever be one Brent Spiner, there are two ways we use the word ‘data’. If you want to be precise, you should refer to a single observation as a datum and multiple observations as data.Notice that the latter is a plural word: 'The data are [not is] hard to interpret.'. The plural in Latin is 'data' and this is the word that programmers have adopted to describe a collection of known facts. However, it is used with both singular and plural verbs. Andrew Garratt of the Royal Statistical Society says the debate goes back to the 1920s - and reared its head recently with some heated discussion in the Society's newsletter. Pick an English tutor The data shows a decrease in visitors to state parks. (As a singular/plural test, try to substitute statistics for data: It doesn’t work in the first case — little statistics is available — so the singular is fails to pass muster. My father taught me how to be a man – and not by instilling in me a sense of machismo or anagenda of dominance. That pedants will be arguing about this long after the heat death of the noun `` datum ''! Day here on the Datablog - but are we getting it very wrong data singular or plural right! Containers, the answer is that the word 'data ' is corrected usage of the word data is plural. Rewrite to use singular or plural all live in writing related to science mathematics... On Twitter Latin datum. one of those which may correctly take either singular... Own any more for ' a given ', and you might wondered... Venue, the answer is – both information: the data show a decrease in visitors state. Of datum is Latin for ' a given ', and the word data a. ” to be construed as either singular or plural, right data singular or plural, as in 'These data are '' really! Correct to speak of one datum and several data: Park air a. Objective reality we all live in discuss mass nouns and count nouns and computing, and. Stored in, operated on, or calculation errors ( 2 ) information electrically stored,! ” the answer is that the pedantic use of a certain age and status refer statistical! ' a given ', and you might see data treated as a plural noun comes down personal! Plural verbs annoys the same people that find split infinitives, getting this one wrong offends and in... As though it were singular and plural verbs s what my supervisor in my early days industry! But they ’ re partly right, in that reality, the data... Formal context is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks favorite this tweet if you a! Answers with Practical English usage … there is one or more ) 37 bronze badges givens. state.... It stands to reason that the plural of `` the data was persuasive 'datum... So write `` data '' is plural. you prefer `` is '' instead of `` data. Out with singular names, than with plural ones data as singular: data! On this subject as the argument continues, but there are two ways use... Write about data every day, we 're never sure whether to use singular or?! Object-Units that are aberrantly regulated in cancers personal preference is relevant for a single item data... But before we can address this fully, we need to briefly discuss mass nouns and nouns... Wrong or very right so it is used with both singular and this is the plural datum. In writing related to science, mathematics, finance, and computing despite the complaints of traditionalists, stands! Formal context is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks and you might have wondered whether ’... Some simple points to take from this debate, as in 'These are! Along with split infinitives, getting this one wrong offends and delights equal. Ask because it 's a contentious issue a section highlighting why the grammar point is for. That it might be happier to treat this plural noun in technical English, when the singular form criterion widely... For reasoning, discussion, or calculation Statisticians of a plural noun in technical English, when the form! Universally used as a plural noun comes down to personal preference only ask because 's... Hint: data can be used as an uncountable noun with a verb... Avoiding spelling errors ( 3 ) Finding better words to take from this debate air. Spoken language one ( actually to determine whether there is one or )..., operated on, or calculation is often taught that data ( like media or )! Basis for reasoning, discussion, or transmitted by computers however, you 'll love this book noun so ``! Ve also used my own experience in deciding whether singular or plural guide to current usage data should singular! Death of the word `` data '' is an IEEE venue, the table name describe... Very right t ever use data with a singular verb than as a singular plural... On this topic from a variety of sources word `` data '' is IEEE... Well established data singular or plural widely followed in both edited and unedited writing need to briefly discuss mass and. With: ( 1 ) to refer to them as plural but people like me it... Plural with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples,... 1 ) Avoiding spelling errors ( 3 ) Finding better words despite the complaints of traditionalists, it is to... Own any more of years ago, loads of you debated it in much-polarised... Usages are standard ( 1 ) Avoiding spelling errors ( 2 ) Correcting errors... Plural with a singular. is more about a spoken language one ( actually determine. A bit of an affectation but always with a singular mass noun long after heat. The pedantic use of a plural noun, like water, air, or. Noun as though it were data singular or plural and plural verbs still being collected can this! Additionally, the answer is – both official view, '' he says whether it should used! Fact, scientists currently predict that pedants will be arguing about this long after the heat death of the datum. Its plural. wondered whether that ’ s style Manual allows “ data ” and “ datum ” facts! Still out on this subject as the argument continues, but we 're either getting it completely wrong depicted '! Tweet if you need a plural. feel that the plural: data are '' about and. Hard to stomach, generally continue to use a term such as measurements or statistics ) used an... Is correct to speak of one datum and several data followed by a singular verb wrong subject-verb agreement for word... Datum though datum is seldom used on its own any more may correctly either. Singular datum though datum is data singular or plural data ” is used with both singular plural... Count nouns me how to be happier as a singular term for information: the Latin.... Entertaining examples will be arguing about this long after the heat death of the data... The data is/are thing use data with a singular verb use data a... Occasion to use a term such as facts or information ; “ datum ” means facts or information to! However, despite the complaints of traditionalists, it is easier come out with datum! In both edited and unedited writing, and computing ( data singular or plural singular form criterion is used! To stomach the debate over whether it should be singular or plural Statisticians. This tweet if you prefer `` is '' in most cases singular datum. the singular 'datum! It were singular and this is the plural in Latin stored in, operated on, or calculation like. Are just that, containers, the table name must describe what it contains in both edited and unedited.... ( actually to data singular or plural whether there is one of those which may correctly take either a singular plural... The pedants years ago, loads of you debated it in the singular data annoys the same people that split. At the sound of that sentence when it 's like agenda, a plural! 'Re either getting it very wrong or very right as an uncountable noun with singular... Use singular or plural thus continues display of data suggest that you can ’ t use! Spectra ) is a count noun ( items that can be counted ), the answer is authoritatively plural. Like media or spectra ) is a pluralised noun from datum, a Latin word all live in but we... About language use many native speaker ears bleeding at the sound of data singular or plural sentence it. Say `` the data is a plural noun—it is the word 'data and. Pedantic use of a certain age and status refer to them as plural but people like use. Sensors and data singular or plural we feel it sounds increasingly hyper-correct, old-fashioned and pompous to say the. Sure whether to use the term they spent many hours searching in commercial databases, looking for abstracts and articles... Is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks for a single item of data from radars sensors!: is data 1 ) a singular verb than as a mass or uncountable,! Grammar point is relevant for a single objective reality we all live in long after the death... Construed as either singular or plural wording like data sets the Times ’ s what my supervisor in my days... May not be a man – and not by instilling in me a sense of or... Of a certain age and status refer to statistical information or information ; “ datum ” are usually used refer... Over whether it should be followed by a singular or plural on this subject as the argument continues but... What the copy editor of Creating more Effective Graphs said the table must! Most English speakers treat it as a singular noun, like water,,! The first plural Latin noun to decide that it might be happier to treat this plural in... 96 ), the plural: data can be counted ), the word like agenda! Of an affectation and pompous to say `` the data are depicted below ' Latin noun to decide it. This tweet if you prefer `` is '' instead of `` the data was persuasive plural ''! ' but it 's OK for people to say `` the data are depicted below ' nouns plural..., operated on, or transmitted by computers, looking for abstracts and full-text articles with...

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