Usage of data: The following data pertain(s) to you.

[Ched133]

Hello

Which way is correct?

The following data pertains to you
The following data pertain to you

My guess is "pertains" because data is singular right?

[MrPedantic]

Hello Ched,

There are three views:

1. "Data" is the plural of "datum", and should therefore take a verb in the plural.
2. "Data" is a non-count noun, like "information", and can therefore take a verb in the singular.
3. "Data" can be either a plural noun, or a non-count noun, depending on the context, and can therefore take either.

The first view often prevails in scientific publications; the second, in the context of IT, and in general usage.

Personally, I favour the third view; but this means that someone somewhere will always think you have made a mistake.

One solution is to use the phrase "data set", which is undeniably singular; or "details", if it fits the context.

Best wishes,

MrP

[Jamie (K)]

I also prefer view #3. Data is sometimes the plural of datum, and at other times a non-count noun, depending on the situation in which it is used.

[Inga]

So, in the sentence:
According to one report, approximately 80% of all the data in the computers around the world is/are in English?
According to

[Jamie (K)]

Inga, in that sentence I'd use "is". "Data" would be considered a singular mass noun there, except by extreme, retrograde prigs.

[Inga]

OK. I discussed this example with my students and forgot to post it here :). Thank you.
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