Academic / B1

DAYT-uh/ˈdeɪtə/

Data are facts and figures used for analysis. UK news and exams usually treat data as uncountable (the data is / the data shows), though some scientists still say the data are. Datum is the rare singular. Information is wider and not always numerical. Do not write “a data” or “datas”. Exam reports: data on remarks; census data.

Meaning

Facts or figures used for analysis (usually uncountable in UK news and exams).

Examples

• “The exam board published data on remark requests.”
• “Handle patient data under GDPR, not on a personal laptop.”

Good to know

Usually uncountable in UK exams/news: the data shows. Rare singular: a datum. Wider: information. Not “datas”. Related: database.

Near in meaning

information

Topics

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