"the data suggest that" vs "the data suggests that"

Question

"the data suggest that" vs "the data suggests that"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The data suggest that' is used when 'data' is considered a plural noun, while 'the data suggests that' is used when 'data' is considered a singular noun. The choice between 'suggest' and 'suggests' depends on whether you are treating 'data' as a singular or plural noun.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Use 'the data suggest that' when 'data' is treated as a plural noun, meaning you are referring to multiple pieces of information or statistics.

Alternatives:

the findings suggest that
the results suggest that
the statistics suggest that
the numbers suggest that
the figures suggest that

Use 'the data suggests that' when 'data' is treated as a singular noun, meaning you are referring to a collective body of information or statistics.

Alternatives:

the information suggests that
the dataset suggests that
the report suggests that
the study suggests that
the analysis suggests that

Answer 1

the data suggest that

This phrase is correct when 'data' is considered a plural noun.

Answer 2

the data suggests that

This phrase is correct when 'data' is considered a singular noun.

"the data suggest that" vs "the data suggests that"

the data suggest that

the data suggests that

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