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the data was vs the data were

Both 'the data was' and 'the data were' can be correct, depending on whether 'data' is considered singular or plural. In American English, 'data' is often treated as a singular noun, so 'the data was' is commonly used. In British English, 'data' is more commonly treated as a plural noun, so 'the data were' is preferred.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 2433 views

the data was

This phrase is correct, especially in American English where 'data' is often treated as a singular noun.

Use 'the data was' when treating 'data' as a singular noun, especially in American English.

Examples:

The data was analyzed thoroughly.
The data was collected from various sources.

Show examples from the web [+]

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 30, 2012 ... How the Data Was Analyzed ... in print on April 30, 2012, on page A12 of the New York edition with the headline: How the Data Was Analyzed.
How to Tell When the Data Was Last Refreshed. The the listing for each app in AccessPoint shows when the app was last refreshed. The users cannot refresh ...
Aug 26, 2015 ... how do I check when and on what device the data was used on. Question; Updated 4 months ago; Answered. 1. Me Too. 4. Follow. Unfollow.

Alternatives:

the data were (in British English)

the data were

This phrase is correct, especially in British English where 'data' is often treated as a plural noun.

Use 'the data were' when treating 'data' as a plural noun, especially in British English.

Examples:

The data were carefully examined.
The data were presented in the report.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 16, 2010 ... ... and in specialized scientific fields , it is also treated as a plural in English, taking a plural verb, as in the data were collected and classified .
... and, historically and in specialized scientific fields, it is also treated as a plural in English, taking a plural verb, as in the data were collected and classified.
Apr 29, 2014 ... or plural: The data were gathered from the World Resources Institute. The media are dependent on major businesses as information sources.
Apr 18, 2007 ... For example, if you had sensors all over Prague sampling air quality, the data were collected in Prague. Let's say the report about the data was ...

Alternatives:

the data was (in American English)

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