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Rommel Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

"Data are..." or "data is..."?

Isn't it that the correct sentence is "The data are inaccurate"?
  

Top answer

'Data' and 'media' are two common words that are in flux. Usage is changing, and at the moment both accept 'is' and 'are' without losing 'correctness'.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Data' and 'media' are two common words that are in flux.
  • Usage is changing, and at the moment both accept 'is' and 'are' without losing 'correctness'.
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10 Answers
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'Data' and 'media' are two common words that are in flux. Usage is changing, and at the moment both accept 'is' and 'are' without losing 'correctness'.
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Rommel Isn't it that the correct sentence is "The data are inaccurate"?
I worked in data processing for years, and I never heard "data are" even though that was originally the normal usage. (AmE)

CJ
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Use "data is". The singular "datum" has completely fallen out of use.
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Somewhat to my surprise, I just came across this when I looked on Weatherbug to check the weather:
We're sorry. No forecast data are available for your area at this time. Please try again later.
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Blue JayNo forecast data are available
Emotion: surprise

In this day and age maybe we should chalk
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COCA gives me:

the data is— 289
the data are— 415
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And the BNC gives me:

the data is -- 98
the data are -- 90
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And all of these numbers are giving me heartburn!
Argh! Emotion: smile

I think it's an occupational hazard for me to have worked in
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CalifJimAnd all of these numbers are giving me heartburn! Argh!
We'll spare you GloWbe then. (about 3:1 in favor of is)
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Blue JayWe'll spare you
OK. Thanks.
Blue Jayabout 3:1 in favor of is
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