data element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "data element" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a single piece of information or data within a larger set or collection of data. It can be used whenever discussing or describing data in any form, such as in a report, analysis, or database. Example: "The survey collected various data elements, including age, gender, and income level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Returns an iterator to a data element one past the last used data element.

Stanford University

An encrypted certificate is the ultimate example of an abstract data element.

Stanford University

In carrying out clause (i), the Commission shall prescribe consistent data element standards applicable to registered entities and reporting counterparties.

Cornell University

Parameters include not only reported data elements, but any data element required for monitoring and calculating emissions.

Cornell University

Common data element.

Injury Epidemiology

The customer data element is particularly noteworthy.

TechCrunch

Therefore, it is important to collect every data element possible as part of your initiatives.

Forbes

Each data element can be described through multiple attributes.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Mobile crowd data element collection cannot be empty.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Accuracy for each individual data element and a composite accuracy measure were calculated.

Duke University

Accuracy: as new data elements add up, the weight of each individual data element decreases.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a "data element", ensure it has a clear and concise definition to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "data element" when you actually mean "data set". A "data element" is a single piece of information, while a data set is a collection of related data elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data element" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a discrete unit of information. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

Academia

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "data element" is a fundamental concept in data management and analysis, referring to a single, discrete unit of information. Ludwig shows that it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in science, academia, and news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, a "data element" requires a clear definition to avoid confusion with related terms like "data set". When writing about data, remember that "data element" refers to an atomic piece of data while "data set" refers to a collection of data. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively communicate about data in both technical and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data component

Focuses on the part-whole relationship within a dataset.

data field

Emphasizes the location where a particular piece of data is stored.

information item

Highlights the informational aspect of the data.

datum

Is a singular form that refers to a single piece of information.

attribute

Refers to a characteristic or property of a data entity.

variable

Highlights the capability of the data to change or vary.

data point

Emphasizes the individual nature of the element within a dataset.

information bit

Focuses on the smallest unit of information.

piece of data

Is a general term that describes a single item of data.

element of information

Reorders the words slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

FAQs

How is "data element" used in data management?

In data management, a "data element" is a fundamental unit used to store and organize information, essential for database design and data analysis.

What's the difference between "data element" and "data set"?

A "data element" is a single, atomic unit of data, whereas a "data set" is a collection of related data elements.

What are examples of common "data elements" in a database?

Common "data elements" include names, addresses, dates, and numerical values, each representing a specific piece of information about an entity.

How do I define a "data element" for a research study?

To define a "data element", specify its name, definition, data type (e.g., text, number, date), and any valid values or units of measurement to ensure consistent data collection.