the data were obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data were obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the collection or acquisition of data in research or analysis contexts. Example: "In our study, the data were obtained from various sources, including surveys and public records."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The data were obtained under the state's open records act by George Scott, president of the Tax Research Association of Houston and Harris County, a taxpayers group.

The New York Times

The data were obtained using suitable keywords.

World Patent Information

The data were obtained by using accidental sampling technique.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The data were obtained with the average of three measurements.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The data were obtained from three independent biological replicates.

Rice

The data were obtained using a computer-controlled program.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The data were obtained in a positive ion mode.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

The data were obtained from the household questionnaire.

Ecological Processes

The data were obtained by synchrotron diffraction strain scanning.

International Journal of Fatigue

The data were obtained from a 30-min dynamic planar scan.

EJNMMI Physics

The data were obtained from five independent leaf regions (e-g).

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientific or academic papers, clearly state the method used to obtain the data to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the data were obtained" without specifying the source or method. Always provide sufficient detail, such as the database, survey, or experiment used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data were obtained" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that information has been acquired or accessed. This construction follows a passive voice, which focuses on the data rather than the agent who obtained it. Ludwig shows various examples across diverse fields that support this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the data were obtained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, primarily in scientific and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the source and method of data acquisition to maintain transparency and credibility. While alternatives exist, such as "the data was collected" or "the data was acquired", "the data were obtained" maintains a formal tone suitable for academic and professional writing. Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness and ensure your writing is clear and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the data was acquired

Replaces "obtained" with "acquired", implying a more active process of gaining the data. The subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the data was collected

Substitutes "obtained" with "collected", emphasizing the gathering of data from various sources. The subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the data was gathered

Similar to "collected", but "gathered" suggests a more informal or less structured collection process. The subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the data was sourced

Replaces "obtained" with "sourced", indicating the origin or procurement of the data. The subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the data was derived

Substitutes "obtained" with "derived", highlighting the extraction or calculation of data from other sources. The subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the information was obtained

Replaces "data" with "information", a more general term for the facts and details acquired, the subject-verb agreement changes from plural to singular form.

the results were derived

Changes the subject to "results" and replaces "obtained" with "derived", focusing on the outcome of a process. Notice that the subject of the phrase is now plural.

the measurements were taken

Shifts the focus to the act of measuring, replacing "data" with "measurements" and "obtained" with "taken".

the figures were acquired

Replaces "data" with "figures", which implies numerical data, and "obtained" with "acquired".

the statistics were gathered

Changes the subject to "statistics", indicating numerical data, and replaces "obtained" with "gathered".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the data were obtained" for different contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the data were collected", "the data were acquired", or "the measurements were taken".

Is it necessary to specify how the data was obtained?

Yes, specifying how the data was obtained is crucial for transparency and reproducibility, especially in scientific and academic writing. It provides context and credibility to your findings.

What is the difference between "the data were obtained" and "the data was obtained"?

"The data were obtained" implies that "data" is treated as a plural noun, while "the data was obtained" treats it as a singular noun. Although "data" is technically plural, it's increasingly common to see it used as singular, especially in informal contexts, yet plural usage is recommended in formal writing.

Are there specific situations where "the data were obtained" is more appropriate than other alternatives?

The phrase "the data were obtained" is suitable for formal, scientific, and academic writing where precision and clarity are important. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "the data was collected" may be acceptable.