the data is collected vs data are collected

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The data is collected" is used when referring to data as a singular entity, while "data are collected" is used when referring to data as a plural noun. The choice between "is" and "are" depends on whether you consider data to be a singular or plural noun.

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 16, 2025 • 5429 views

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

"the data is collected"

Use 'the data is collected' when treating data as a singular noun, meaning that the data is seen as a whole or a singular unit.

Examples:

The data is collected from various sources.
The data is collected and analyzed for trends.

Show examples from the web [+]

True ratios exist between the different units of measure. Random Sampling: Sampling in which the data is collected using chance methods or random numbers.
Feb 6, 2016 ... Any such safeguards are null and void, and the only thing that matters is that the data is collected. We've all seen the privacy policies. We've ...
... control the environment in which the data is collected to avoid the risk of variables, other than the one being studied, accounting for the relationships identified.
Control what and how the data is collected. • Have the ability to customize data collection for the community. • Data may be more recently collected than ...

Alternatives:

The collected data is analyzed.
Data collection is complete.

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

"data are collected"

Use 'data are collected' when treating data as a plural noun, meaning that the data is seen as individual pieces or sets of information.

Examples:

Data are collected from multiple sources.
The data are collected and processed separately.

Show examples from the web [+]

The data are collected and aggregated anonymously using proprietary or third-party software (Google Analytics).
These data are collected in aggregate form, and individual users are not identified.
These data are collected and used to improve our services.
Press ENTER to begin data collection when prompted. You can hear a clicking sound and see the green light on the CBR as the data are collected.
Frequency with which the source data are collected.
The first year for which data are collected shall be 2008.
The data are collected, analysed and displayed by a proprietary Marposs software package.
The data are collected from the interested party who independently inserts them into the site.
In such cases, it is appropriate to ensure transparency by informing the reporting agents of the various statistical purposes for which the data are collected.
Therefore, the Community typology should also apply to holdings for which data are collected through the farm structure surveys.
These data are collected and processed today using very different methods, which is unsatisfactory within the framework of the European Union.
Which data are collected and for what purposes?
This information and data are collected directly and automatically by the web site and as part of its operational functions.
The data are collected by the organization's global alarm system that monitors the planet for any evidence of nuclear explosions.
In this case, you must know that:Information source: The data are collected in anonymous format.
The reclassifications mentioned in paragraph 1 are also excluded because these data are collected by the NCBs themselves using various information sources that are already available to the NCBs.
The information of the beneficiaries should take place through the application forms for aid or when the data are collected otherwise.
The present situation, where these data are collected on the basis of an unwritten agreement, clearly shows that this method is ineffective and has to be changed.
These data are collected from a study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group.
Collection given:quantitative observations and data are collected you on the system.

Alternatives:

The collected data are analyzed.
Data collection processes are in place.

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the data is collected vs data are collected

"the data is collected"

"data are collected"

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