Is 'data' singular or plural?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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'.

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.

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.)))

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.)))

What you added will come under 'How much', the mass noun which i mentioned above. Anyway Data can be used as singular and plural.

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.)))

haha but do we ever say - give me 30 bit or 2 KB or 3 MB or 4 GB data. We simply transfer or download any amount of data and it still remains data. Mind it I have written 'remains' and not 'remain' but you can use both of these. Cheers.

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.)))

haha but do we ever say - give me 30 bit or 2 KB or 3 MB or 4 GB data. We simply transfer or download any amount of data and it still remains data. Mind it I have written 'remains' and not 'remain' but you can use both of these. Cheers.

Yes, that's why I said I hope I gave the correct explanation. Anyways, thanks for the inputs.