0
One Punch Mickey Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
On data
hello everyone!
I'm a newly registered member, and I hope you don't mind if I ask a potentially silly question. Most grammar textbooks that I come accross say that the word 'data' is plural. There are other books however, ehich say that it's gaining acceptance in the singular.
Which ine is it? Or can I run to context for that?
Many thanks!
I'm a newly registered member, and I hope you don't mind if I ask a potentially silly question. Most grammar textbooks that I come accross say that the word 'data' is plural. There are other books however, ehich say that it's gaining acceptance in the singular.
Which ine is it? Or can I run to context for that?
Many thanks!
Top answer
Hello "Data" was originally the plural form of the Latin word "datum" but now it is used as an uncountable noun. So you can use it either way. If you use it as a plural noun you have to say "the data are", and if you use it as an uncountable noun you should say "the data is".
- Hello "Data" was originally the plural form of the Latin word "datum" but now it is used as an uncountable noun.
- So you can use it either way.
- If you use it as a plural noun you have to say "the data are", and if you use it as an uncountable noun you should say "the data is".
- I surveyed by Goole search in what way people actually use it.
- ":689 hits The first phrases belong to everyday's language and the second ones do to formal (academic) language.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
Hello
"Data" was originally the plural form of the Latin word "datum" but now it is used as an uncountable noun. So you can use it either way. If you use it as a plural noun you have to say "the data are", and if you use it as an uncountable noun you should say "the data is".
I surveyed by Goole search in what way people actually use it. The data is/are as follows;
(1)"Y
"Data" was originally the plural form of the Latin word "datum" but now it is used as an uncountable noun. So you can use it either way. If you use it as a plural noun you have to say "the data are", and if you use it as an uncountable noun you should say "the data is".
I surveyed by Goole search in what way people actually use it. The data is/are as follows;
(1)"Y
00
A single item, e.g. '123.79 oysters/year', is still best referred to as a 'datum', as in 'This datum does not fit the graph'-- however, I have a feeling that this is being rapidly replaced by a counter for the uncountable: 'a piece/item of data'. 'This piece of data does not fit the graph'.
A word of caution lest we think 'datum' is disappearing, though-- google produces over ten millio
A word of caution lest we think 'datum' is disappearing, though-- google produces over ten millio
00
In the words of my country (the Philippines that is) salamat! (That's 'thank you' for the unfamiliar)
0
Related Questions