data transfer

USAGE SUMMARY

"data transfer" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the exchange of digital data between two or more devices, systems, networks, or services. For example, "The data transfer was successful and all the files have been successfully exported to our system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data Transfer €0.077 per GB – all data transfer in €0.13 per GB – first 10 TB / month data transfer out €0.1 per GB – next 40 TB / month data transfer out €0.085 per GB – next 100TB €0.077 per GB – over 150T.

TechCrunch

Take data transfer.

The Economist

Under the US-EU data transfer all their details can be accessed by the NSA.

The Guardian

"The scope of the presumed data transfer cannot be determined," LGT said.

The New York Times

In addition to U.S.B. and U.S.B. 2.0, another data transfer technology, called FireWire or I.E.E.E.

The New York Times - Tech

The QCP 6035's data transfer rate is about 14.4 kilobits per second.

The New York Times - Tech

Those 54 responded to an inquiry by The New York Times with data transfer documentation.

The New York Times - Arts

In telecommunications, data transfer is usually measured in bits per second.

The New York Times

"This presents a real threat to the Safe Harbor data transfer regime to the US.

The Guardian

U.S.B. technology is also faster, with data transfer rates of up to 12 megabits per second.

The New York Times - Tech

Created in July 2000, the company makes hardware and software products that streamline wireless data transfer by compressing data packets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the speed of "data transfer", specify the units (e.g., Mbps, Gbps) for clarity. For example, instead of saying "fast data transfer", say "data transfer at 100 Mbps".

Common error

Avoid using "data transfer" when you actually mean "data storage". "Data transfer" refers to the movement of data, while "data storage" refers to the retention of data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data transfer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where it describes actions or processes related to moving data. For example, "The data transfer was successful" or "Optimize data transfer speeds."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "data transfer" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the process of moving digital information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across science, news, and business contexts. While closely related to phrases like "data transmission" and "file transfer", it is distinct in its broader scope. Key considerations for its use include specifying units of measurement and avoiding confusion with data storage. Whether you're discussing network protocols, cloud computing, or device connectivity, understanding the nuances of "data transfer" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data transmission

Focuses more on the act of sending data.

digital transfer

Adds the qualifier "digital" emphasizing the type of transfer.

file transfer

Specifically refers to the transfer of computer files.

network transfer

Highlights the movement of data over a network.

information exchange

Emphasizes the sharing of information rather than just raw data.

data migration

Implies moving data from one system to another, often as part of a larger process.

data communication

Highlights the process of data being communicated between systems.

data sharing

Focuses on making data accessible to others.

bandwidth allocation

Refers to the capacity provided for data transfer.

cyber transfer

The transfer is happening in a cyber-space environment.

FAQs

How is "data transfer" typically measured?

Data transfer is usually measured in bits per second (bps) or bytes per second (Bps), often with prefixes like kilo (kbps, KBps), mega (Mbps, MBps), giga (Gbps, GBps), or tera (Tbps, TBps).

What are some common methods for "data transfer"?

Common methods include file transfer protocol (FTP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), secure copy protocol (SCP), universal serial bus (USB), and wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Is "data transmission" the same as "data transfer"?

While closely related, "data transmission" often refers to the physical process of sending data, whereas "data transfer" encompasses the entire process, including protocols and mechanisms for ensuring data integrity.

What security measures can be used to protect "data transfer"?

Common security measures include encryption (e.g., using HTTPS), secure protocols (e.g., SFTP), virtual private networks (VPNs), and access controls to limit who can initiate or receive data transfers.