The Evolution of 'Data': Plural or Singular?

There's a common misconception that data is a singular noun, but in reality, it is already plural. The singular form is datum. However, in modern usage, data is often used as both a singular and a plural noun. This article explores the nuances of using data correctly, including its proper grammatical usage and the ongoing debate in linguistics.

Understanding the Plural Form: Data

Originally, data was the plural form of datum. In formal or scientific contexts, data is still considered plural, and hence should be treated as such with plural verbs:

The data are confusing.
The data indicate.

When you consider data as one large unit containing multiple individual items, you can treat it as a singular noun with a singular verb. This usage can be seen in everyday language:

The data is confusing.
We have data but it doesn’t explain much.

Modern Usage and Debates

There is currently an ongoing debate in linguistics regarding the singular and plural usage of data. Many style guides and dictionaries have recognized that data can be used as both a singular and a plural noun outside of scientific contexts. This flexibility has led to its widespread adoption in common language.

For example:

The data are now available.
We have data that support our hypothesis.

House Styles and Company Guidelines

It’s important to understand the preferences of the organization or the context in which you are using data. Different companies and publications might have different preferences. For instance:

Google Style Guide: Google recommends treating data as a singular noun in many contexts, particularly in product names and product descriptions. For example, Google Data Studio. New York Times Style Guide: The New York Times treats data as a plural noun in most contexts, with a few exceptions. Harvard Style Guide: Harvard recommends using data as a singular noun in certain contexts, such as when referring to a dataset as a whole.

Regardless of the style preference, it is crucial to maintain consistency within your writing or communication.

Conclusion

The proper usage of data can vary depending on the context and the style guide you are following. Whether it's treated as a singular or plural noun, data remains an integral part of modern language, capturing both the individual components (datums) and the collective information (data).

References

[1] Merriam-Webster Dictionary