Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
an early data
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "an early data" is not correct in English.
The word "data" is typically uncountable in this context. You can use "early data" without the article "an" when referring to preliminary information or statistics collected before a full analysis. Example: "The early data suggests a significant increase in user engagement this quarter."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
Data Encryption Standard DESS), an early data encryption standard endorsed by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS; now the National Institute of Standards and Technology).
Encyclopedias
Bloomberg has been a bit warier than Thomson of embracing tiered releases for fear of alienating its desktop customers, who provide 80% of its revenues.Technological advances will make it ever harder to define an "early" data release.
News & Media
(b) is an early data set without contrast media.
Science
BC and RP gave input on an early data management process and manuscript draft.
Science
Purposive sampling will include participants who represent different age groups, men and women, different ethnicities, those with different educational and income levels and those who are willing to share their decision-making process on food choices; whereas theoretical sampling will involve participants based on information that emerges from an early data analysis.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
We show additional levels at 25 and 300 m depths (Fig. 21) from an earlier data report by Siripunvaraporn (2015).
Science
This is in contradiction to an earlier data which suggested that ES was effective only when started immediately after LMN lesion.
Our sequential AUD VIS data are reminiscent of an earlier data set, concerning discriminations between different rates of change [11].
Science
Transfer situations were randomized from an earlier data collection (video observations).
Science
We cannot indicate a MIC creep since an earlier data from the same centers are not available for comparison.
Science
In the same way, an earlier data on therapeutic maintenance of MTX in RA reported that 14% of Moroccan patients stopped MTX for socioeconomic reasons [ 20].
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to preliminary information, use "early data" without the article "an". For example, "Early data suggests promising trends".
Common error
Avoid using the indefinite article "an" before "early data". Remember that "data" is generally considered an uncountable noun in this context. Use "early data" or "preliminary data" instead.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "an early data" functions as a descriptor for information obtained at the initial stages of a process. However, as Ludwig AI clarifies, the correct form omits the article "an" because "data" is generally considered uncountable in this context.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
40%
Encyclopedias
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "an early data" aims to describe preliminary information, but it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI points out that the correct usage is "early data" without the article "an", treating "data" as an uncountable noun. Alternatives such as "preliminary data" or "initial findings" can also be used. While found across scientific, news and encyclopedic sources, remember to avoid the article for grammatical correctness. Always opt for "early data" when referring to initial sets of information to maintain accuracy.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
preliminary data
Replaces "early" with a synonym emphasizing the initial stage.
initial data set
Specifies that the data is a set and is at its beginning.
early-stage data
Uses a compound adjective to describe the data.
early findings
Replaces "data" with "findings" implying initial results.
initial results
Similar to early findings focusing on outcomes.
preliminary results
Similar to preliminary data focuses on outcomes.
early indications
Suggests trends based on initial information.
preliminary analysis
Focuses on an analysis in its early stages.
initial assessment
Describes an evaluation performed at the beginning.
early statistics
Refers to numerical data collected at an initial phase.
FAQs
How to correctly use "early data" in a sentence?
Use "early data" without the article "an". For instance, "Early data indicates a positive trend" is correct, while "An early data indicates..." is not.
What are some alternatives to "an early data"?
Consider using phrases like "preliminary data", "initial results", or "early findings" as alternatives.
Is "early data" singular or plural?
"Data" is technically the plural of "datum", but in modern usage, it's often treated as uncountable, especially in contexts like "early data". It's generally safer to treat it as uncountable.
How does "early data" compare to "final data"?
"Early data" refers to information collected at the beginning of a study or process, while "final data" represents the complete dataset after the study or process has concluded. Thus the former is incomplete and the latter is the complete picture.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested