a data point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a data point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single piece of information or measurement within a larger dataset. Example: "In our analysis, we found that a data point was missing, which affected the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's just a data point," Mr. Lhota said.

The New York Times

I don't want him to be a data point.

The New York Times

"We just treated each individual species as a data point," Dr. Primack said.

The New York Times - Science

As with any private company valuation, it is simply a data point, venture capitalists say.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everything we find is a data point that helps us assess the problem," he said.

The New York Times

"In the interest of evolving the discussion, I am making myself into a data point," as she put it.

The Guardian - Tech

Recognition of a friend's milestone can also be a data point.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The top 10 list is a data point, but we have lots of data points," said Sharon Katz, media director at Modem Media, a Norwalk, Conn., advertising agency.

The New York Times

Here's a data point: The nine banks participating in the capital infusion program paid their former and current chief executives a total of $231 million last year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The robot was programmed to create a data-point cloud using a traditional sonar scan.

The Economist

The robot was programmed to create a data-point cloud with a traditional sonar scan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical analysis or research findings, use "a data point" to refer to a single, distinct piece of information. This clarifies that you are considering individual values within a larger set.

Common error

Avoid using "a data point" when discussing general trends or conclusions drawn from multiple data points. Instead, use phrases like "the data suggests" or "the analysis indicates" to accurately represent the scope of your findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a data point" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a single, discrete piece of information within a larger dataset. Ludwig examples shows how this term is employed in the context of data analysis and reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a data point" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a single piece of information within a dataset. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in scientific, news, and formal business settings. When using "a data point", ensure you are referring to a discrete value and avoid overgeneralizing when discussing trends. Consider alternatives like "an item of data" or "a measured value" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an item of data

Replaces 'point' with 'item', focusing on the individual piece of information.

a piece of information

Substitutes "data point" with a more general term, emphasizing the informational aspect.

a measured value

Highlights the aspect of measurement associated with the data.

an element in a dataset

Focuses on the location of the data within a larger collection.

a single observation

Emphasizes the act of observing and recording the data.

a statistic

Highlights the quantifiable nature of the data.

a record

Focuses on the fact that the data has been documented.

a finding

Suggests the data reveals something significant.

a detail

Emphasizes that is a piece of information related to a bigger phenomenon.

an isolated fact

Isolates and highlights a specific detail as a standalone element.

FAQs

How can I use "a data point" in a sentence?

You can use "a data point" to refer to a single piece of information within a larger dataset. For example: "This study treats each patient visit as "a data point" for analysis."

What's a good alternative to "a data point"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a data point" include "an item of data", "a piece of information", or "a measured value".

Is it appropriate to use "a data point" in formal writing?

Yes, "a data point" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, and business contexts where precise language is important. It clearly identifies a single piece of information being considered.

What does "a data point" typically represent in a scientific study?

In a scientific study, "a data point" usually represents a single measurement, observation, or piece of information collected from an experiment or survey. It's a fundamental unit used for analysis and drawing conclusions.