data

USAGE SUMMARY

'data' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a collection of facts, numbers, or statistics that can be used to identify trends or patterns. For example: "The data collected by the team showed that the product was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DNI (digital network information) Data sent across computer networks, such as web page requests, emails, voice over IP. (Formally, any information sent as "packets").

The Guardian

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.

The Guardian - Sport

"Our new communications data legislation will strengthen our ability to disrupt terrorist plots, criminal networks and organised child grooming gangs, even as technology develops.

The Guardian

A police investigation was launched into the data issues.

The Guardian

"The data show that not only is there declining trust in government, there is declining trust in other people"; although it wasn't exclusive to them, this shift was "concentrated among these poor kids, the kids who have been left out," Putnam said.

The Economist

There was a cohort of "lost kids we see in our data, who have no opportunity for economic mobility"; what's more, "those kids know".

The Economist

3. The Promoter shall use and take care of any personal information you supply to it as described in its privacy policy, a copy of which can be seen here and in accordance with data protection legislation.

The Guardian

The Sierra Leone ministry of health refused to share data in the early outbreak and instructed the WHO to report only lab-confirmed deaths, thereby excluding the "probable" and "suspect" cases that could not be tested because of the lack of testing facilities.

The Guardian

Bluf Stands for "bottom line up front" – a request from NSA analysts to collect less data from the Muscular program (see below) because it is of no intelligence value.

The Guardian

These are the ideal source of data, but there are several limitations with the data at this local level.

The Guardian

Some of them will receive far more than the average; data for 2013 showed that the most senior executives in London received an average of £3m.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "data", always ensure it is properly contextualized and labeled for clarity. Use visualizations like charts and graphs to enhance understanding.

Common error

Be cautious of assuming that a correlation in the "data" implies a causal relationship. Further analysis and experimentation are often needed to establish causation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the word "data" is as a noun, representing a collection of facts, statistics, or pieces of information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, serving as a foundation for analysis and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "data" functions primarily as a noun, representing a compilation of facts and figures crucial for analysis and decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When using "data", prioritize clear contextualization and labeling. Remember, while traditionally plural, its singular use is now generally acceptable. Given its wide use and semantic value, understanding proper use of "data" in writing is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information

Represents a broader concept encompassing facts, details, and knowledge, sometimes less structured than "data".

statistics

Specifically refers to numerical facts or figures systematically collected and analyzed.

figures

Similar to statistics, but can also include non-numerical representations.

records

Implies a collection of documented information, often organized chronologically or categorically.

observations

Emphasizes the act of noticing and recording information, often in a scientific context.

facts

Denotes verifiable pieces of information that are known to be true.

evidence

Information used to support a claim or argument, often in a legal or scientific setting.

findings

Results or conclusions reached after analysis of information or data.

insights

Deep understandings or revelations derived from analyzing information.

metrics

Quantifiable measurements used to track and assess performance or progress.

FAQs

How do I use "data" in a sentence?

You can use "data" as a noun to refer to a collection of facts, figures, or other information. For example, "The company analyzed the sales data to identify key trends."

What are some synonyms for "data"?

Alternatives include "information", "statistics", "figures", and "records" depending on the specific context.

Is "data" singular or plural?

While traditionally "data" is the plural of "datum", it is now commonly accepted as both singular and plural. However, for formal writing it's best to use "data" as plural.

What is the difference between "data" and "information"?

"Data" refers to raw, unorganized facts, while "information" is processed and organized data that provides context or meaning.