"data were" vs "data was"

Question

"data were" vs "data was"

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

The information was
The dataset was
The statistics were

Answer 1

data were

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

Answer 2

data was

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

"data were" vs "data was"

data were

data was

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