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data was vs data were

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

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1898 views

data was

This phrase is correct when referring to data as a singular entity.

Use 'data was' when treating data as a singular noun, such as when discussing a single set of data or information.

Examples:

The data was analyzed thoroughly.
The data was collected from various sources.
The data was presented in a clear format.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just wondering whether to use "data" as a singular or plural in a journal article ( i.e. data was collected or data were collected)....would ...
The data was analysed after it was collected. Both usages exist today, but often the distinction will be made based on whether you are treating data as a count or ...
Apr 17, 2013 ... Data was/were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA. See example: Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA.
... like information, which takes a singular verb. Sentences such as data was collected over a number of years are now widely accepted in standard English.

Alternatives:

The information was
The dataset was
The statistics were

data were

This phrase is correct when referring to data as a plural entity.

Use 'data were' when treating data as a plural noun, such as when discussing multiple sets of data or pieces of information.

Examples:

The data were compared to previous findings.
The data were collected over several months.
The data were analyzed using advanced techniques.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just wondering whether to use "data" as a singular or plural in a journal article ( i.e. data was collected or data were collected)....would ...
Jul 16, 2010 ... Sentences such as data was (as well as data were ) collected over a number of years are now widely accepted in standard English. The official ...
Apr 17, 2013 ... 1. Data was/were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA. See example : Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA.
The data were analysed after they were collected. rather than. The data was analysed after it was collected. Both usages exist today, but often the distinction will ...

Alternatives:

The pieces of data were
The sets of data were
The information was

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