data refer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "data refer to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about information that refers to something else, whether it is a concept, an idea, or another piece of data. For example, "These data refer to the total number of people who took the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Athletic data refer to 2008.

Forbes

Athletic data refer to 2016-2017.

Forbes

Academic data refer to fall 2008.

Forbes

Academic data refer to Fall 2016.

Forbes

Academic data refer to fall 2008 unless otherwise noted.

Forbes

Enrollment and attendance data refer to entire undergraduate student body.

Forbes

Financial aid data refer to 2007-2008 unless otherwise noted.

Forbes

Data refer to undergraduate student population in fall 2007.

Forbes

Student life data refer to 2008-2009 unless otherwise noted.

Forbes

Student life data refer to 2016-2017 unless otherwise noted.

Forbes

All data refer to the year of 2014.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "data refer to", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the data is referencing. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "data refer to" without specifying the time frame, population, or specific parameters to which the data pertain. Always provide enough context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data refer to" functions as a declarative expression, specifying the scope or subject matter of a particular set of data. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which shows it being used in diverse contexts to clarify what the data encompasses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "data refer to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to clarify the scope and subject of a data set. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "data pertain to" and "data relate to", offering slight variations in meaning. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis and real-world examples, along with the writing guidance and FAQs, provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data pertain to

Replaces "refer" with "pertain", indicating a direct relevance or connection.

data apply to

Uses "apply" instead of "refer", suggesting that the data are relevant or applicable to a specific context.

data relate to

Employs "relate" in place of "refer", signifying a connection or association between the data and something else.

data correspond to

Substitutes "refer" with "correspond", implying a direct relationship or equivalence.

data are applicable to

Rephrases the original using "are applicable", emphasizing the relevance of the data.

data are connected to

Uses "are connected" to highlight the link or association of the data.

data indicate

Replaces "refer to" with "indicate", signifying that the data point to or suggest something.

data represent

Employs "represent" to indicate that the data symbolize or stand for something.

data describe

Substitutes "refer to" with "describe", signifying that the data provide details or information about something.

data encompass

Uses "encompass" to suggest that the data include or cover a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "data refer to" in a sentence?

The phrase "data refer to" is used to specify what a set of data is related to or representative of. For example, "The financial aid "data refer to" full-time students".

What is a good alternative to "data refer to"?

Instead of saying "data refer to", you could use phrases like "data pertain to", "data apply to", or "data relate to", depending on the specific context. For instance, you might say, "The findings "relate to" a specific demographic".

Is it more appropriate to use "data refers to" instead of "data refer to"?

Since "data" is generally treated as a plural noun in academic and professional writing, "data refer to" is the more grammatically correct choice. While "data refers to" is sometimes used informally, sticking with the plural form maintains consistency and clarity.

What's the difference between saying "data refer to" and "data applicable to"?

"Data refer to" means the information is about or connected to something else. "Data "applicable to"" suggests the information can be used or applied in a certain situation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the connection or the utility of the data.