Do you like "this" or "these" data?

Question

Using "data" as a plural word is getting more and more popular. Obviously, it's the plural version of the neuter past participle of the Latin verb dare. (Dare -> datum -> data). Actually - it could also be the fem. singular... lol.

That aside - I think "data are" sounds weird and does not work well with the concept. When I think of "data," it's an amorphous blob of information. *Not* datum 1, datum 2, etc.

Here are some examples that show how strange treating data as a plural is:
The data don't support this... Shucks, it don't?
There aren't enough data to support this... Wait! Here comes another one.
Did you see these data? Yes, I saw them.

Why can't we just treat the word as a singular < data sing. fem.? After all, that would match better information (which is fem!).

The people who treat data as plural don't know anything about Latin anyway - so why do we have to use this pretentious, awkward form?

JJ · Accepted Answer

As you say, 'data' is a Latin neuter plural, so a plural verb should be used.  Other similar words include 'flora' - you wouldn't say 'the flora is . . .'; 'media' - in the UK some youngsters says 'the media is stupid', so they're thinking of it as a singular noun.

I've no doubt that 'data' will become singular one day and I like your 'amorphous blob' analogy, so much so that I may well switch my usage to 'data IS'.

PS I did study Latin.

Gee Wye · Answer

Technically, "data" is plural and "datum" is singular.  However, data in the singular is gaining more acceptance.  It's kind of like "doughnut" (the technically correct spelling) and "donut" (which is the more popular spelling).  The short story is that English is a messed up language.  We didn't invent it, we only inherited it, and now we have to live with it and make the best of it.

the_supreme_father · Answer

i follow the point you're making, and have some mixed feelings about it

essentially the rule that should be applied is that of usage - usage always takes precedence over archaic meaning.  take dilemma for example - a dilemma strictly should refer to a situation involving a choice between two equally unacceptable alternatives, and yet it is used to refer to situations involving more than two - usage takes precedence.  

i was always brought up to treat 'data' as a singular, but when i learnt latin i picked up the habit of 'datum, data' etc.  i like your point about using data as a collective noun for a collection of...datums, i guess.  then, you can say 'the data says...', rather than 'the data say...'.  the data is in the same sense as the pack is.

on the other hand, the usage rule can be applied too liberally.  it is in this way that we see good english and good grammar and civilised expression become degraded over time by people who aren't interested in becoming educated and want to drag everyone else down to their level.  read nietzsche and you'll see what i mean...

DON · Answer

There are certain words in english language which are used in both singular and plural forms. Words like data, hair, sand, mud etc are some examples for it.

Every language has some logical and illogical acceptance and English being a global language is more prone to have such words being included in it.

I think both, 'data is' and 'data are' correct and it is sheer your use and the message of a sentence that one wants to put across.

All the best

rdenig_male · Answer

I agree -  the word 'data' should always be used in the  singular. I must admit, however, that I have not seen it regularly used in the plural as you quote. Is this an Americanism?

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Do you like "this" or "these" data?

5 Answers