1. “Data†Can Only Be PluralIn Latin, “data†is the plural of “datum.†Therefore, some people insist that “data†can only be plural in English (“the data are here,†not “the data is hereâ€). Now, these same people would never ask you to send them the meeting “agendum,†even though the “agenda/agendum†pair is just like “data/datum.†And that’s because English is a rogue and has no problem giving a makeover to words it takes from other languages.
Nevertheless, you’re safest keeping “data†plural. If it sounds weird to you, use a different word, such as “information†or “results.â€
Don’t: This quarter’s data is going to get us fired.
Do: This quarter’s results are going to get us fired.
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