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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
data were attained
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "data were attained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the collection or acquisition of data, particularly in research or analytical writing. Example: "In the study, data were attained through surveys conducted over a six-month period."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(4)
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
4 human-written examples
Firstly, experimental growth data were attained for Escherichia coli W3110 immobilised in agar at fixed temperatures.
Science
Follow-up data were attained for a maximum of 14 years and a minimum of 3 years.
Science
Data were not collected from patient records; demographic and clinical data were attained solely through patient self-report.
Science
However, in the WHS, we had a 91% positive predictive value in a validation study of self-reported type 2 diabetes using American Diabetes Association criteria, for which data were attained by telephone interview, supplemental questionnaire, or review of medical records from treating physicians (21).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The relationship between the input and output data was attained by ANN to approximate any function with finite number of discontinuities by learning their relationships (Hagan et al. 1996).
Science
Valuable experimental data was attained to assess the dynamic response of as-built URM parapets, and the results were compared with the assessment procedures available in the literature and current guidelines for practice.
Science
Once the GLD fits to survival data is attained, other summary statistics such as hazards can be easily obtained and will be consistent with the same underlying survival distribution and the distributional shape of survival times can be easily gleaned by plotting the fitted GLD.
The Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) data was attained from thirty U.S. trios, which were collected in 1980 from U.S. residents with northern and western European ancestry.
Science
Viscosity data was attained during this time by extracting three 500 µl samples.
Science
This data was attained using a self administered questionnaire which was collected at the time of the assessment.
Science
From the clade which miRBase still calls pisces (1623 hairpins), the following species' data hairpins were attained: Cyprinus carpio (ccr, 134), Danio rerio (dre, 346), Fugu rubripes (fru, 131), Hippoglossus hippoglossus (hhi, 40), Ictalurus punctatus (ipu, 281), Oryzias latipes (ola, 168), Paralichthys olivaceus (pol, 20), Salmo salar (ssa, 371), and Tetraodon nigroviridis (tni, 132).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "data were attained" in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the process or method by which the data was acquired. Ensure that the context supports the passive voice for clarity and focus.
Common error
Avoid using "data were attained" when the active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "the researchers ensured that data were attained", consider "the researchers attained the data" for a more direct and concise statement.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "data were attained" functions as a passive construction indicating the successful acquisition of information. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrasing is commonly used in academic and scientific literature to describe the process of data collection and retrieval.
Frequent in
Science
100%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "data were attained" is a grammatically correct, although rare, phrase predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the process by which data is acquired, with a focus on the attainment itself. While alternatives like "data was collected" or "data was obtained" may be more common in general usage, "data were attained" maintains a formal tone suitable for academic and research-oriented writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context supports passive voice and that a formal tone is desired.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
data was acquired
Replaces "attained" with "acquired", focusing on the act of gaining possession of the data.
data was collected
Substitutes "attained" with "collected", emphasizing the gathering of data.
data was obtained
Uses "obtained" instead of "attained", highlighting the successful retrieval of data.
data was gathered
Employs "gathered" in place of "attained", suggesting the data was assembled from various sources.
data was procured
Replaces "attained" with "procured", implying a more formal or deliberate acquisition process.
data was secured
Substitutes "attained" with "secured", emphasizing the effort to obtain the data, potentially against some obstacle.
data has been accessed
Changes the tense and verb to indicate that the data has been made available for use.
data became available
Shifts the focus to the data's availability rather than the act of obtaining it.
data is now accessible
Highlights the current accessibility of the data, differing slightly from the action of attaining it.
data were the result
This changes the sentence structure highlighting how the data came about as a result of some process.
FAQs
What does "data were attained" mean?
The phrase "data were attained" means that data was successfully acquired or obtained, usually through a specific process or effort. It's often used in formal or scientific contexts to describe how data was gathered.
What are some alternatives to "data were attained"?
You can use alternatives like "data was collected", "data was obtained", or "data was acquired" depending on the context. These alternatives provide similar meanings while varying the emphasis on the method of data acquisition.
Is it better to say "data was attained" or "data were attained"?
The correct form is "data were attained" because "data" is the plural form of "datum". Therefore, it requires a plural verb form. However, "data was collected" is also correct and often preferred because it's less formal and sounds more natural.
In what contexts should I use "data were attained"?
Use "data were attained" in formal or scientific writing when you want to emphasize the process or method through which the data was acquired. This phrase is suitable when describing research methodologies or analytical procedures where precision is important.
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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
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested