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plural datums, mathematics
: something used as a basis for calculating or measuring
measuring the distance between datum points
… make things more efficient for those of us whose work requires a time datum.—Robert Steinbrunn
Is data singular or plural?: Usage Guide
Data comes from the plural of datum, a technical word that refers to a single piece of information. Data continues to function as a plural, especially in technical and formal writing, taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few).
The data are compelling.
These data are incorrect.
More data are needed.
As for the data currently available, they are inconclusive.
More commonly, however, data refers to masses or collections of pieces of information, and functions much like the word information itself, taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little).
The data is compelling.
Little data is available.
That data is flawed.
Is this data accurate?
As for the data we've seen, it's inconclusive.
Both constructions are standard.
Cite this Entry
“Datum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/datum. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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