Which one is correct?
"data were used" or "data was used"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"data were used" or "data was used"?

TextRanch: The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

One of our experts will correct your English.

100% Human-Powered Editing!

Use 'data were used' when referring to data as a plural noun, indicating multiple sets of information or individual pieces of data.

Examples:

The data were used in various experiments.
The data were used to train the model.

Alternatives:

The pieces of data were used.
The datasets were used.

Use 'data was used' when referring to data as a singular entity, such as a single set of information or a collective whole.

Examples:

The data was used to create the report.
The data was used for analysis.

Alternatives:

The information was used.
The dataset was used.

Both 'data was used' and 'data were used' can be correct depending on the context. 'Data was used' is correct when referring to data as a singular entity, while 'data were used' is correct when referring to data as a plural noun. The choice between 'was' and 'were' depends on whether you consider data as a singular or plural noun.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024