data were obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

'data were obtained' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when a collection of information is gathered. For example, "The researchers obtained data from hundreds of participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data were obtained from the TCGA database.

Nature

These data were obtained from IMOS ( www.imos.org.au).au

Nature

Data were obtained in three independent experiments.

Nature

Data were obtained from the Kern PSSM set22,23.

Nature

Similar data were obtained for the AGU-Fin mutant polypeptide.

Nature

Similar data were obtained with HeLa cells (Supplementary Figure 1B).

Nature

Subsequently, tracking data were obtained with FIMtrack (http://fim.uni-muenster.de/).

Nature

RNA-seq data were obtained from GEO accession number GSE98674.

Nature

PPI data were obtained from Mentha61 (http://mentha.uniroma2.it/).

Nature

Moreover, their UG data were obtained from only 14 participants.

Nature

RNA SPOTs data were obtained from a previous study8.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "data were obtained", clearly specify the method or source from which the data was derived to enhance transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating only that "data were obtained" without indicating the source or method. Always provide sufficient context to allow readers to understand the data's origin and reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "data were obtained" functions as a statement indicating that information has been acquired. As confirmed by Ludwig, this passive construction is grammatically sound and commonly used in formal writing to describe data collection. Examples from academic papers and scientific reports illustrate its use in reporting research methodologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

Academia

30%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "data were obtained" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase primarily used in scientific and academic writing to indicate that information has been acquired. As highlighted by Ludwig, this passive construction often appears in the methods sections of research papers, establishing a factual basis for subsequent analysis. The phrase's formal register and prevalence in authoritative sources like Nature and PlosOne reinforce its credibility. Remember to specify the source or method of data acquisition for clarity and transparency. Considering all suggestions, the use of "data were obtained" remains a reliable way to describe the process of gathering information in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data was acquired

This alternative uses "acquired" instead of "obtained", implying a slightly more active process of gaining data.

data was collected

This alternative uses "collected", suggesting a systematic gathering of data.

data was gathered

This alternative uses "gathered", implying a collection from various sources.

data was sourced

This alternative emphasizes the origin or source from which the data came.

data was derived

This alternative suggests that the data was extracted or calculated from other information.

data was extracted

This alternative implies that the data was specifically pulled out from a larger set.

data was accessed

This alternative focuses on the act of gaining access to the data.

data was retrieved

This alternative suggests that the data was recovered from a storage location.

data was identified

This alternative suggests that the data was found or recognized.

the information was obtained

This alternative uses 'information' instead of 'data' offering a more general term.

FAQs

How do I use "data were obtained" in a sentence?

You can use "data were obtained" to describe the process of gathering information, for example, "The experimental data were obtained through a series of controlled laboratory tests".

What can I say instead of "data were obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "data was collected", "data was acquired", or "data was gathered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "data was obtained" instead of "data were obtained"?

While "data" is technically plural, it's increasingly common to treat it as singular, especially in informal contexts. However, in formal writing, "data were obtained" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "data were obtained" and "results were obtained"?

"Data were obtained" refers to the initial gathering of information, while "results were obtained" implies the information has undergone analysis or processing to derive meaningful conclusions.