a data

USAGE SUMMARY

"a data" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a single piece of information or a set of information. For example, "We must analyze this data carefully before making any decisions."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's a data guzzler.

The New York Times - Tech

I'm just a data guy.

The New York Times

Is Twitter a "data controller"?

The Guardian - Tech

It could a data center.

The Guardian

A bit bucket is a data sink.

The New Yorker

Crowdsourcing can be a data source.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's a data-driven decision.

The New York Times

This is a data-driven industry.

The New York Times

"Oh, yes, he's a data-mining person.

The New Yorker

He developed a data-driven approach.

The Guardian

It's a data-hungry approach.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a data", ensure the context clearly implies a singular instance or a specific type of data, and consider rephrasing for improved grammatical clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a data" when referring to data in general; data is often considered a mass noun and doesn't typically take the indefinite article "a". Instead, use "some data" or rephrase to refer to "a piece of data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a data" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. While Ludwig indicates it is acceptable, it's important to note it might be seen as grammatically questionable since data is often considered plural. Its function depends heavily on the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a data" is used to refer to a single instance or specific type of data. While Ludwig deems it usable, its grammatical correctness is often debated, as "data" is frequently treated as a mass noun. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources. Alternatives like "a piece of data" or "some data" may offer improved clarity and grammatical precision. Be mindful of your audience and context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some data

This alternative suggests an unspecified quantity of data.

certain data

This alternative emphasizes that the data in question is specific and identified.

specific data

This alternative highlights the detailed and particular nature of the data.

piece of data

This alternative clarifies that the item is a single instance within a larger dataset.

element of data

This alternative views the data as a component within a structured system.

data point

This alternative is typically used to describe a single, quantifiable piece of information.

item of data

This alternative stresses that the information in question is one part of many.

instance of data

This alternative denotes a specific occurrence within a dataset.

form of data

This alternative suggests that data is being presented in a particular structure.

type of data

This alternative refers to the categorization or classification of information.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "a data" correctly in a sentence?

While the phrase "a data" is not always grammatically correct, it can be used when referring to a specific instance or type of data. Consider using phrases like "a piece of data" or "a specific data point" for better clarity.

What are some alternatives to using "a data" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "some data", "certain data", or "specific data". These alternatives often provide more clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a data" in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's generally advisable to avoid "a data" because "data" is often treated as a mass noun. Instead, opt for phrases like "a set of data" or "a collection of data" to maintain grammatical precision.

What's the difference between using "a data" and "some data"?

Using "a data" suggests you're referring to a single, specific data point or a particular type of data. "Some data", on the other hand, refers to an unspecified quantity of information without emphasizing singularity or specificity.