data or datum

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to discuss whether to use 'data' (often singular) or 'datum' (singular) for a single piece of information.

   Grammar: A metalinguistic phrase; it names two forms and asks which is correct.

   In this essay, should I write 'data or datum'?

   The teacher asked us to choose between 'data or datum' in the sentence.

   Many style guides now accept 'data' as both singular and plural.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountabletechnical

   Facts or information used for analysis; in strict Latin, 'datum' is one item and 'data' is more than one.

   Grammar: 'Data' is usually uncountable in everyday use, but can be plural in scientific contexts. 'Datum' is countable and rare outside technical writing.

   Patterns

   • collect data
   • a piece of data
   • a single datum

   The scientists collected data from thousands of sensors.

   Each datum was recorded carefully in the logbook.

   The data is clear: temperatures are rising.

Word forms

Common combinations

data or datum

The choice between data or datum depends on the context.

a single datum

A single datum can be misleading without context.

collect data

We need to collect data before making a decision.

data analysis

Data analysis revealed a surprising trend.

Synonyms and how they differ

information

A general term; 'data' often implies numerical or scientific information.

facts

Focuses on things known to be true; 'data' can include raw observations.

Word family

data noun

The plural or mass form, now often used as singular.

datum noun

A single piece of information, rare in everyday English.

Commonly confused: data or datum or date?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “data or datum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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