data indicate vs data indicates

Both 'data indicate' and 'data indicates' can be correct depending on the context. 'Data' is the plural form of 'datum,' so 'data indicate' is used when referring to multiple pieces of information, while 'data indicates' is used when treating 'data' as a singular mass noun.

Last updated: March 28, 2024

data indicate

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple pieces of information.

Use 'data indicate' when you are talking about multiple pieces of information or data points.

Examples:

The data indicate a clear trend in consumer behavior.
These data indicate a need for further investigation.

Show examples from the web [+]

These data indicate that elimination of micafungin is primarily non-renal.
All the data indicate that life on this planet would be hard.
The data indicate that it mostly affects the poor.
However, these data indicate that clofarabine may accumulate in such patients (see figure below and sections 4.2 and 4.4).
These data indicate that lamotrigine does not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam and that levetiracetam does not influence the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine.
These data indicate the potential of the Romanian female population, but that potential is being frustrated in the political sphere, in which men completely dominate all levels of decision making.
In general however, the plasma levels of total doxorubicin are substantially higher with Myocet than with conventional doxorubicin, while the data indicate that peak plasma levels of free (not liposome-encapsulated) doxorubicin are lower with Myocet than with conventional doxorubicin.
These data indicate that younger children might require higher bodyweight-adjusted doses than adolescents and adults to achieve similar target concentrations.
Pharmacokinetic data indicate increased systemic exposure to miglustat in patients with renal impairment.
In vitro data indicate a potential risk for interaction with CYP2C8 substrates, such as glitazones.
In vitro data indicate that cinacalcet is in part metabolised by CYP1A2.
In vitro data indicate that repaglinide is metabolised predominantly by CYP2C8, but also by CYP3A4.
Available experimental data indicate that Sudan red 1 may be a genotoxic carcinogen.
CAP Clinical trial and published data indicate that moxifloxacin generally has benefits in the indication CAP.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses of demographic data indicate that no dose adjustments are necessary for weight or ECOG score.
Limited data indicate that the dose should be reduced in patients with moderate renal impairment.
The latest scientific data indicate that the Northern hake stock is not outside safe biological limits.
The preliminary data indicate a transient power imbalance.
is appropriate and ▌available data indicate that the
Comparative data indicate that in Spain today more than two million people lack the income to buy food.

Alternatives:

The information indicates
The statistics show
The figures suggest
The results point to
The findings reveal

data indicates

This phrase is correct when treating 'data' as a singular mass noun.

Use 'data indicates' when you are treating 'data' as a singular mass noun, referring to a collective body of information.