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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
data relies
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "data relies" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to convey that something depends on or is based on data, but the phrase itself is incomplete. Example: "The success of the project relies on accurate data collection."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(2)
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
53 human-written examples
Shadbolt explains how collecting the data relies on the power of the crowd.
News & Media
Lean data relies on picking the right tools for the job, and you may already have them.
News & Media
The analysis of CoGeNT data relies on the ability to distinguish energy deposits which occur near the surface of the detector from those occurring inside its bulk.
News & Media
The system, which is accessed via a registered card or biometric data, relies on itinerant agents visiting communities with a specially tailored internet-enabled hardware device.
News & Media
First, our epidemiological data relies on a sentinel network, and this non-exhaustivity could bring some uncertainty to the validity of our assumptions.
Science & Research
The quality of DNA microarray based gene expression data relies on the reproducibility of several steps in a microarray experiment.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
7 human-written examples
Kamen undercuts her evaluation of the superrats by providing no statistical data, relying only on anecdotal and cultural observations.
News & Media
Nigeria's old GDP data relied on a hopelessly dated snapshot of its economy in 1990.
News & Media
Reliable and repeatable insect thermal mortality data rely on the performance of a heating device.
(b) Each annual certification of compliance pursuant to title V and the data relied on in certifying the compliance.
Academia
At a forum last week, Arumi said the initial data relied too heavily on results in Republican-leaning precincts in South Florida.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing the dependence of a system or conclusion on data, prefer the phrases "depends on the data" or "is based on data" over the grammatically incorrect "data relies."
Common error
Avoid using "data relies" because "data" is often treated as a plural noun in formal writing, requiring a plural verb form. Use "data rely" or rephrase the sentence to "the analysis relies on data."
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "data relies" attempts to describe a dependency. However, it is grammatically incorrect because "data" is often treated as a plural noun, especially in academic and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI highlights the need for subject-verb agreement in such constructions.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "data relies" appears with some frequency across various domains, including science, news media, and academia, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI underscores this point, emphasizing the need for subject-verb agreement. The intention behind the phrase is to convey that something depends on data, but more appropriate alternatives include "data rely" (treating "data" as plural) or rephrasing to "the analysis relies on data". Given the high number of examples, it's important to be aware of this common error and to use correct alternatives to ensure clarity and professionalism in writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
data is dependent
Replaces "relies" with "is dependent" to directly state the dependence.
data is contingent
Substitutes "relies" with "is contingent" to highlight the conditional nature of the relationship.
data underpins
Replaces "relies" with "underpins" to emphasize the foundational role of data.
data is predicated
Uses "is predicated" instead of "relies" to indicate a logical basis in data.
data is grounded
Employs "is grounded" to suggest that something is firmly based on data.
data is built
Replaces "relies" with "is built" to state that data functions as a foundation.
data influences
Suggests that data "influences" the process or outcome.
data informs
Uses "informs" to show that data provides necessary knowledge.
data drives
Replaces "relies" with "drives" to express the data's power to propel.
data dictates
Replaces "relies" with "dictates" to suggest that the data has the main control.
FAQs
How can I correct the phrase "data relies" in my writing?
To fix "data relies", use "data rely" if treating "data" as plural, or rephrase to "the analysis relies on data" /s/the+analysis+relies+on+data.
What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "data relies"?
Consider using phrases like "data depend", "data underpin", or "conclusions are based on data" /s/conclusions+are+based+on+data. These options are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings.
Is it ever correct to use "data relies" in formal writing?
No, "data relies" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing. Opt for phrases like "data rely" or rephrase to clarify the subject and verb agreement.
How does treating "data" as singular or plural affect verb choice in similar sentences?
If treating "data" as singular, use "data is". If treating it as plural, use "data are" or rephrase to make the subject singular (e.g., "the analysis of the data relies on").
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested