grammar question, best answer 10 pts?

Question

Which is correct:

Parametric data is documented

or

Parametric data are documented

PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, and should be used with a plural verb (like facts). However, there has been a growing tendency to use it as an equivalent to the uncountable noun information, followed by a singular verb. This is now regarded as generally acceptable in American use, and in the context of information technology. The traditional usage is still preferable, at least in Britain, but it may soon become a lost cause...

So really I guess either one could be correct but TECHNICALLY the second one is.

Most reasonable people would say “data is” rather than “data are.” Not only does it sound better, but it makes more sense. In this case, “data” refers to “some information” — it’s not clear what the individual bits of information would even be.

Answer 2

It may be technically correct to state that data is plural and datum is singular. However, that position is not really sustainable considering that datum is not in the vocabulary of 98% of the population.

In the majority of cases data is considered as a collective noun. So the expression 'data is' would be accepted most of the time, unless you are addressing a person who has a working knowledge of Latin.

If your audience is the average man on the street, use 'data is'. If you are writing for an academic audience, write 'data are'.

Answer 3

It is 'parametric data are documented'. But perhaps you have some leeway on context. If there is more than one source of parametric data in context of your discussion, use "are". If you only have one parametric data source that always behaves as a single grouping, maybe go with "is" (although why would anyone document only ONE parametric variable, or only ONE parametric equation?)

Anyway, before settling on one or the other, you should 1. reference how your PEERS are using the term, and 2. choose what you can be most consistent with in your usage, whichever you decide! (Flip flopping in this kind of close call is worse than being wrong. ;-))

Answer 4

being that you chose to use ' data,' as opposed to ' datum,' then the Parametric data are documented would be correct. Because of the singular and plural rules in grammer.
HOWEVER, as data is most often collectively seen as a singular, most would consider parametric data is documented as being ' more correct.' Remember how your English teacher said English is so difficult to master because of rule expeptions...well, here ya go.

Answer 5

Parametric data is documented.

Answer 6

Parametric data IS documented

Answer 7

I believe it is already assumed that the word 'data' is used as a plural.

Answer 8

data = is
no such thing as datas, just like children, we dont say childrens, already mean a lot (plural)

Parametric data is documented

Answer 9

Parametric data is documented.

Answer 10

Parametric data is documented