datum

USAGE SUMMARY

'datum' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single piece of information, such as a fact, statistic, or measurement. For example, "The scientist studied the datum from the experiment to determine the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Dashes should be N-dashes rather than M-dashes or hyphens data takes a singular verb (like agenda), though strictly a plural; no one ever uses "agendum" or "datum" datacentre, dataset dates Our style is: 21 July 2014 (day month year; no commas).

The Guardian

In Latin, datum is a singular noun that pluralises as data.

The Economist

We imported "data" and use it frequently in English; we use "datum" much less often.

The Economist

Each use of a datum must be connected to an affiliate link back to the appropriate item or section at Amazon.com: "all uses of this content must serve the principal purpose of driving sales of products and services on the Amazon site," the letter warned, suggesting that Lendle fell foul of the rule.

The Economist

Dr Dukes picked 1997 as his datum year, since all the statistics for it are in.

The Economist

SO REMEMBER how yesterday I was saying that George Bush's hot dogs are an explanatory datum about his presidency?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The orthodox representationalist and the sense-datum theorist have simple accounts of these entailments in terms of the structure of the objects of experiences (apparent structure, for the representationalist; actual structure, for the sense-datum theorist).

SEP

Once the concept of a sense-datum has been introduced in this way, it is easy to see that false appearances can be handled by distinguishing between the properties of sense-data we apprehend and the properties of the physical objects which give rise to these sense-data.

SEP

It may be felt that in so far as sense-data are objects at all, this is inevitable; but Moore now needs to provide an account of the apparent properties of sense-data and it is not clear how he can do this without going back on the initial motivation for the sense-datum theory by construing these apparent properties as properties of our experiences.

SEP

reveals subjective ideas of a particular sensation or sense-datum as his favorite examples of subjective intuitions (cf. also WL III, 21 f).

SEP

But sense-data are not supposed to have an independent existence, and therefore the very conception of a sense-datum involves a contradiction.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "datum" to refer to a single, distinct piece of information, especially when discussing the foundations of an analysis or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "datum" when "data" (the plural form) is appropriate. Remember that "datum" refers to a single point, while "data" refers to a collection of points.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "datum" is as a singular noun. It serves as a referent to a single piece of information, a foundational fact, or a reference point. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in philosophical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "datum" functions as a singular noun, primarily used in formal and scientific contexts to denote a single piece of information or a foundational fact. While grammatically correct, it is less common in everyday conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Remember to distinguish it from "data", which is the plural form. Alternatives such as "data point" or "piece of information" may be more appropriate depending on the context. "Datum" is essential in academic and scientific writing when precision and a clear foundation are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data point

This alternative emphasizes the individual nature of the information, similar to "datum".

piece of information

This phrase broadens the scope, focusing on the informational aspect of "datum".

reference point

This term shifts the focus to "datum" as a point of comparison or orientation.

basis

This alternative highlights the foundational role of "datum" in reasoning or analysis.

premise

This focuses on "datum" as a starting point for logical arguments.

observation

This highlights the empirical origin of "datum".

statistic

This emphasizes the quantitative nature that "datum" can have.

measurement

This term spotlights "datum" as a result of a measuring process.

fixed reference

This stresses the unchangeable and reliable feature of "datum" especially as "datums" (plural).

given fact

This alternative emphasizes the undisputed nature of "datum".

FAQs

How is "datum" used in academic writing?

"Datum" is used in academic writing to refer to a single piece of evidence or a foundational fact from which conclusions are drawn. It's often used in fields like science and philosophy.

Is it correct to use "datum" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "datum" is less common in everyday conversation. "Data point" or "piece of information" are often preferred. Consider your audience and the context.

What's the difference between "datum" and "data"?

"Datum" is the singular form, referring to a single piece of information. "Data" is the plural form, referring to a collection of information.

When should I use "data point" instead of "datum"?

Use "data point" when emphasizing the individual nature of the information within a larger dataset, particularly in scientific or statistical contexts. "Datum" is a more general term for a single piece of information.