ok third time asking i need someone to explain dis rule for english class da rule is dont be confused by the plural forms of foreign words.
example:wrong
the data shows that boys watch more sports on tv than girls watch
example:right
the data show that boys watch more sports on tv than girls watch
i need someone to explain why its like dat cuz i need to present it to da class
2006-11-02 13:24:34 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
The word “data” is the plural of “datum”, and since plural nouns take plural verbs, “data” must take the plural-verb “show.”
However, many consider this rule archaic and unnecessary. Today, it is acceptable to use “data” as a singular noun. Many modern dictionaries will confirm this.
Grammar is an ever-changing art, but many people have trouble letting go of certain out-dated rules.
2006-11-02 13:52:18 · answer #1 · answered by d-train 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not too sure, but I think they are quibbling over the plural agreement here. Datum, technically, is singular, while data is plural. You'll notice that in the first case, it's taken as a singular and is, therefore, wrong. Whereas in the second case, it's taken as the plural and is, therefore, right. However, the strange thing is that the examples belie the "rule".
However, in English usage, the word "data" is used both as singular and plural.
Oh, by the way, you look like you could use a lot of help with your English!?
"dis", "da and "dat" !?!?
2006-11-02 21:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"DATA" is Latin. English usage has lots and lots of "foreign" words, so you have to be careful and watch out for them.
Using "show" as the verb means the word is being used as a plural (data).
Check the dictionary. Also, check your own spelling when you're doing e-mail---
"because" instead of cuz
"the" instead of da
"this" instead of dis
2006-11-02 21:40:16 · answer #3 · answered by papyrusbtl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not so confusing because I know this rule.
In-the data shows
shows is not use for plural but it for singular.
This is only the main trick of this rule that when we talk of singular then we add s in the verb and voce-versa for plural.
For example-
1)he says that I am good.
in this he is singular thus s is added in verb say.
2)They say that I am good.
In this,they is plural thus we write say.
This is 100% right because it was also confusing for me but my teacher gave me extra time on it to make my crystal clear.
2006-11-02 21:47:11 · answer #4 · answered by shweta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Show is singular, as in the fact that it refers to one and only one.
Shows is plural, becuase it refers to many, or more than one.
2006-11-02 21:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by scoutredneckfluffy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that's confusing... both the text and question... sorry!
2006-11-02 21:26:43 · answer #6 · answered by gregelectro13 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋