Which should you use?
The data was inconclusive
Or
The data were inconclusive?
The issue:
Although data is a plural noun (the plural of the
Latin datum), if you search the internet, you will find it widely used as
both plural and singular nouns, that is, you will find it taking singular verb
forms in one text and plural verb forms in another –as in the above example. So,
which is correct?
I did a little research and came up with the following—you can skip to the end "To summarize" if you want a quick answer.
Let’s begin with dictionaries
then move on to the style manuals. Now, dictionaries
usually tell us how words are being used rather than how they should NOT be
used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary states that data is a plural
noun but that it is commonly used in modern English as a singular collective
noun similar to “information” as in (the information was vast/the data was
vast), and also as a plural noun (the data were vast). However, in published
material, it is mostly treated as a plural—can you guess why?
The Oxford English dictionary clears up the distinction a
little more explaining that the word is treated as the plural in
scientific texts, and that its use as a singular collective is gaining
acceptance in everyday English usage.
Now, I always say, if you want to quickly check for correct usage over the internet, search for the word or phrase in major newspapers and published books. What makes published material so special? The
answer is editing! Published material are edited (revised) for correct language
usage – among other requirements – and publishing houses follow strict house
rules and style manuals when revising texts for publication. Here is where you will find stronger monitoring of
language use. So, what do the style manuals say?
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) accepts the use of data
as a singular collective noun, taking a single verb form, but recommends using it
as a plural in scientific and academic writing.
Both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the
American Medical Association's (AMA) style manuals agree that the word data
must be treated as the plural that it is and that it must take plural verb
forms. Furthermore, the leading medical journals – including JAMA, The
Archives, and The NEJM agree with this view.
To summarize
Data is the plural of the Latin word datum (It
is a plural noun!)
Stick to using data as a plural noun in academic and scientific
writing. However, in everyday English data can be used both as a plural
noun and as a singular collective noun.
Your questions and comments are most appreciated.
SK
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