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?

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?

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?

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'.

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?

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.