remove data

USAGE SUMMARY

"remove data" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of taking out or deleting specific information or content. Example: Please make sure to remove any sensitive data before sharing the document with others.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Data controllers" have special obligations in the EU - including the responsibility to remove data that is "inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant".

The Guardian - Tech

The ruling says that Google and other search engines must remove data from past results if requested to do so by a member of the public.

The Guardian - Tech

"At present we believe that about 11 staff opened the attachments, which enabled the hackers to infiltrate the system and remove data".

The New York Times

People control what information they share and remove data they don't want to share at any time.

The New York Times - Tech

The Met has said the unit had been told to regularly remove data that was "either too old, inappropriate or irrelevant" following criticisms that too much information was being held.

The Guardian

The faculty panels again sided with her, in one case recommending that a dean write her a letter of apology for having mishandled her case, by allowing a disgruntled graduate student to remove data from Dr. Stepien's laboratory.

The New York Times

He said the directives to remove data and the new data-quality guidelines were part of "an overarching mosaic that is about restricting information and removing information from public access".

The New York Times

Mackey said that following concerns that the "domestic extremism" unit was holding too much data, it had been encouraged "to remove data which is either too old, inappropriate or irrelevant on a regular basis".

The Guardian

A: Facebook didn't have a comment on Tuesday, but it does already have mechanisms that let people remove data, and sources there say it "already complies with the right to erasure set out in certain data protection legislation".

The Guardian - Tech

Free Basics is a suite of basic internet tools including news, travel, job listings and health services, offered to people in a number of countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America through partnership with operators that remove data charges.

The Guardian - Tech

One of its tools, LoJack for Laptops, can help you track down your lost computer and remove data from it once it's stolen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing users to "remove data", be specific about the type of data and the method for removal to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

The term "remove" can be ambiguous. It might mean archiving data, rather than permanently deleting it. If permanent deletion is intended, specify "permanently delete data" to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remove data" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "remove" is the verb and "data" is the direct object. Ludwig shows its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remove data" is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While often used interchangeably with "delete data", it's important to be precise about whether permanent deletion or simply relocation is intended. To ensure clarity, always specify the method and type of data being removed. "Remove data" appears frequently in science, news media, and business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Remember, context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delete data

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of erasing information.

erase data

This alternative emphasizes the act of making data unreadable or non-existent.

purge data

This alternative implies a thorough and complete removal of data.

eliminate data

This alternative suggests a systematic removal of data to improve efficiency or accuracy.

clear data

This alternative suggests removing data to free up space or resources.

extract data

This alternative refers to isolating specific data, rather than removing it entirely.

suppress data

This alternative refers to hiding data from view, rather than permanently deleting it.

omit data

This alternative is not about data removal at all, it just suggests the fact that data has been left out.

rip data

This alternative emphasizes taking data out with force, typically from a source of information, even if it may implies data theft.

invalidate data

This alternative is not about data removal, but is a way to flag data as not valid.

FAQs

How do I use "remove data" in a sentence?

You can use "remove data" in sentences like: "The system allows users to "remove data" they no longer need." or "It's important to "remove data" that is no longer relevant".

What's the difference between "remove data" and "delete data"?

While both phrases are often used interchangeably, "delete data" typically implies a permanent erasure, while ""remove data"" might sometimes refer to archiving or moving data elsewhere.

Is it grammatically correct to say "removing data"?

Yes, "removing data" is grammatically correct. It's the gerund form of the verb, often used to describe the action of data removal, as in "The process of removing data can be time-consuming".

What can I say instead of "remove data" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you might consider alternatives such as "eliminate data", "purge data", or "erase data", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.