We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?
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We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?


Both usages are standard, take your pick.

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We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?


There are two nouns. Count nouns and mass nouns. Count nouns say ‘How many’. Mass nouns say ‘How much’. The word data can be either, depending on what noun the word ‘Data’ has been used. But the general contention is Data is ‘Both’ singular and plural.
Thank you said by: Adityaa, anil
We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?


Datum is a singular form of Data. Data is a plural form. Most of us use Data as singular form which is absolutely incorrect one.

Born to express, not to impress.
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Data- is plural and it is wrong to use singular word with this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data

G. K. Ajmani Tax consultant
http://gkajmani-mystraythoughts.blogspot.com/

Thank you said by: RobertP
Data- is plural and it is wrong to use singular word with this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data


True, but data IS always used but never ARE used. That is why it is accepted in both forms. Newspapers such as The New York Times and websites like 'the news' use it either in the singular or plural.

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Data- is plural and it is wrong to use singular word with this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data


True, but data IS always used but never ARE used. That is why it is accepted in both forms. Newspapers such as The New York Times and websites like 'the news' use it either in the singular or plural.


The link given well explains the usage. There is difference in usage in Britain and U.S.A. The issue of using 'data' as singular or plural is still being debated. The singular is 'datum' or 'piece of data'.

G. K. Ajmani Tax consultant
http://gkajmani-mystraythoughts.blogspot.com/

Thank you said by: suni51, RobertP
Data- is plural and it is wrong to use singular word with this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data


True, but data IS always used but never ARE used. That is why it is accepted in both forms. Newspapers such as The New York Times and websites like 'the news' use it either in the singular or plural.


The link given well explains the usage. There is difference in usage in Britain and U.S.A. The issue of using 'data' as singular or plural is still being debated. The singular is 'datum' or 'piece of data'.


I agree, it is not singular at theory level.

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Thank you said by: Gulshan Kumar Ajmani, RobertP
We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?


There are two nouns. Count nouns and mass nouns. Count nouns say ‘How many’. Mass nouns say ‘How much’. The word data can be either, depending on what noun the word ‘Data’ has been used. But the general contention is Data is ‘Both’ singular and plural.


Now I understand it. In one grammar website too, the same explanation is given.
We often use data in singular form like in ‘The data is correct’. But data is a plural word. The singular form of data is datum. So is the sentence ‘The data is correct’ wrong? If it is right, then what is the reason?


There are two nouns. Count nouns and mass nouns. Count nouns say ‘How many’. Mass nouns say ‘How much’. The word data can be either, depending on what noun the word ‘Data’ has been used. But the general contention is Data is ‘Both’ singular and plural.


Now I understand it. In one grammar website too, the same explanation is given.


Even dictionaries say Data can be used as a singular and plural. In practical life it becomes necessary at times to deviate from the grammar for the ease of use.
As Rambabuji pointed out above, there's something more. Like, for example, "sugar". We don't say, give me one sugar. We use some unit like KG, etc.So data also belongs to the same category. (((I hope I have given the right explanation.)))
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