the data was collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "The data was collected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to data that has been previously gathered for a particular purpose. For example: "We analyzed the data that was collected during the survey and found some surprising results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Keogh said that the data was collected by the surgical associations themselves.

The Guardian

The data was collected from a survey tracking 2,000 households.

The New York Times - Tech

The data was collected through in-home surveys at roughly 13,000 homes across the country.

The New York Times - Tech

Some of the data was collected on paper and stored in boxes.

The New York Times

After the data was collected, Gallant's team used complex mathematical techniques to analyze the brain scans.

The New Yorker

The data was collected in a national random-digit-dial telephone survey done between September and November 2005.

The New York Times - Health

The data was collected from 273 respondents.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

The data was collected using various techniques.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

The data was collected in situ using particle image velocimetry.

Chemical Engineering Science

The data was collected between 1991 and 1993.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The data was collected between March 2002 and September 2003.

Nurse Education Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the tense is consistent throughout your writing. If you start with "the data was collected", maintain a past tense narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "the data was collected" without specifying who collected the data or how it was collected. This lack of context can reduce clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data was collected" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that data underwent the action of being gathered. Ludwig AI shows it’s used to set context for subsequent analysis or findings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the data was collected" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate that data has been gathered, often preceding an explanation of how it was obtained or what analysis followed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various domains, particularly in scientific research and news reporting. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context regarding the collection method and timeframe to ensure clarity and credibility. Alternatives like "the information was gathered" or "the data were acquired" can be used to vary the wording. The phrase is straightforward, neutral in tone, and essential for setting the stage in reports, articles, and presentations involving data analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the information was gathered

Replaces "data" with "information" and "collected" with "gathered", maintaining the same meaning with slightly different word choice.

the data were acquired

Uses "acquired" instead of "collected", implying a more formal or technical acquisition of data.

the data were obtained

Employs "obtained" in place of "collected", suggesting the data was received or gained through some effort.

the data were compiled

Substitutes "compiled" for "collected", highlighting the process of assembling data from various sources.

the data were recorded

Uses "recorded" instead of "collected", focusing on the act of documenting the data.

the measurements were taken

Replaces "data" with "measurements" and focuses on the action of taking measurements instead of collecting general data.

the responses were gathered

Specifically refers to "responses" instead of generic data, emphasizing the collection of answers or reactions.

the sample was obtained

Focuses on obtaining a "sample" rather than collecting all possible data, changing the scope slightly.

the survey results were compiled

Highlights the "survey results" aspect and the process of compilation, differing from a general data collection statement.

the findings were documented

Shifts the focus to "findings" and the act of documentation, indicating a more advanced stage than simple data collection.

FAQs

How can I use "the data was collected" in a sentence?

You can use "the data was collected" to describe a past action. For example, "The data was collected through surveys and focus groups".

What are some alternatives to "the data was collected"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the information was gathered", "the data were acquired", or "the data were obtained".

Is it correct to say "the data were collected"?

While "data" is technically the plural of "datum", it's commonly treated as singular in modern English usage, especially in scientific and technical contexts. Therefore, "the data was collected" is widely accepted.

What information should I include after stating "the data was collected"?

Provide details about the method of data collection, the timeframe, the sample size, and any relevant contextual information to enhance clarity and credibility.