data vs datum

data vs datum
  This isn't so much a common mistake as a common cause for arguments (as is often the case with words of Latin origin).
  The dictionaries treat data as a group noun, meaning information, especially facts or numbers, collected for examination and consideration and used to help decision-making, or meaning information in an electronic form that can be stored and processed by a computer.
  Then they go on to confuse matters by giving the following kind of example:-
  The data was/were reviewed before publishing.
  So, which is it, was or were? Strictly speaking 'datum' is the singular form and 'data' is the plural form.
  If you're writing for an academic audience, particularly in the sciences, "data" takes a plural verb.
  For example:-
  The data are correct.
  But most people treat 'data' as a singular noun, especially when talking about computers etc.
  For example:-
  The data is being transferred from my computer to yours.
  And I have to be honest, I've never heard anyone ask for a datum.

English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words. 2014.

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  • data vs datum —   This isn t so much a common mistake as a common cause for arguments (as is often the case with words of Latin origin).   The dictionaries treat data as a group noun, meaning information, especially facts or numbers, collected for examination… …   English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words

  • Data structure alignment — is the way data is arranged and accessed in computer memory. It consists of two separate but related issues: data alignment and data structure padding. When a modern computer reads from or writes to a memory address, it will do this in word sized …   Wikipedia

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  • data — ► NOUN 1) facts and statistics used for reference or analysis. 2) the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer. USAGE Traditionally and in technical use data is treated as a plural, as in Latin it is the… …   English terms dictionary

  • Data — Da ta, n. pl. [L. pl. of datum.] 1. See {Datum}. [1913 Webster] 2. a collection of facts, observations, or other information related to a particular question or problem; as, the historical data show that the budget deficit is only a small factor… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Datum — is the singular form of data . Datum may also refer to: Datum (geodesy), a standard position or level that measurements are taken from Datum (magazine), an Austrian monthly magazine Kavala or Datum, a city in ancient Macedonia Omne Datum Optimum …   Wikipedia

  • Datum (disambiguation) — Datum is the singular form of data .Datum may also refer to: * Datum (geodesy), a standard position or level that measurements are taken from * Datum (magazine), an Austrian monthly magazine * Kavala or Datum, a city in ancient Macedonia …   Wikipedia

  • Datum — Da tum, n.; pl. {Data}. [L. See 2d {Date}.] 1. Something given or admitted; a fact or principle granted; that upon which an inference or an argument is based; used chiefly in the plural. [1913 Webster] Any writer, therefore, who . . . furnishes… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Datum line — Datum Da tum, n.; pl. {Data}. [L. See 2d {Date}.] 1. Something given or admitted; a fact or principle granted; that upon which an inference or an argument is based; used chiefly in the plural. [1913 Webster] Any writer, therefore, who . . .… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • datum — [dāt′əm, dat′əm; ] Brit also [ dä′təm] n. pl. data [dātə, dat′ə] or datums [L, what is given, neut. of datus: see DATE1] 1. something known or assumed; information from which conclusions can be inferred: see also DATA 2. a real or assumed thing,… …   English World dictionary

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