entering data

Meanings

1. 1phraseuncountablecomputing

   The act of typing or putting information into a computer or system.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; it names the activity, not a single item. For the job, say 'data entry'.

   Patterns

   • entering data into something
   • entering data on a computer

   Entering data by hand is slow and can cause mistakes.

   She spends most of her day entering data into the company's system.

   The software makes entering data faster and more accurate.

2. 2verbtransitivecomputing

   The present participle of 'enter data': putting information into a computer or system.

   Grammar: Used after be or as part of a continuous verb: 'He is entering data.' It takes an object: entering data into the database.

   Patterns

   • be entering data
   • entering data into something

   He is entering data from the survey into a spreadsheet.

   They were entering data all morning without a break.

   While entering data, check each field for errors.

Common combinations

entering data into a system

Entering data into the system takes about an hour.

entering data manually

Entering data manually is less reliable than scanning it.

entering data accurately

The training focuses on entering data accurately.

the process of entering data

The process of entering data has been automated.

Synonyms and how they differ

data entry

This is the usual noun for the job or task; 'entering data' is more like a description of the action.

inputting data

Very similar, but more technical; 'inputting' is common in computing contexts.

Word family

enter verb

To put information into a computer or form.

data entry noun

The job or activity of typing information into a computer.

data noun

Facts or information used for analysis.

Commonly confused: entering data or data entry?

Practice

Make it your own

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

Explore more words