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Dictionary-enhanced plural guide

What is the Plural of “Data”?

Learn the singular and plural noun forms, the rule behind the plural, and examples that show the form in context.

SingulardataPluraldata
Rule: uncountableIPA: /ˈdeɪtə/

Singular and Plural Form of Data

Data is the singular noun form. Data is the plural form.

Dictionary meaning: Information or facts gathered for study or use.

Why is the Plural of Data “data”?

The Uncountable Plural Rule for Data

This noun has an irregular plural form that does not follow standard English pluralization rules. Irregular form from corpus

Plural pattern: uncountable.

How to Remember the Plural of Data

“data” is uncountable: it stays the same in singular and plural and takes a singular verb. Use a quantifier like “a piece of data” when you need to count it.

A common slip-up: 'DAH-tuh' (incorrect stress); 'DAY-tah' (incorrect vowel)..

Singular vs Plural Examples with Data

See data and data used in real sentences side by side.

  • The research data shows a clear trend in recent years. B1
  • Companies collect personal data to improve their services. B1
  • Statistical data indicates that online shopping has increased significantly. B2

Common Plural Mistakes with Data

Wrong: The data are showing interesting results.

Correct: The data is showing interesting results.

Data is treated as uncountable singular in modern English usage.

Wrong: He gathered much data on the topic.

Correct: He gathered a lot of data on the topic.

Use 'a lot of' with uncountable nouns; 'much' works but is less natural in speech.

How to Pronounce Data and Data

Stress first syllable: DAY-tuh. The 'a' sounds like 'ay' in 'day'.

Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Data

These nouns follow the same uncountable rule. Click any word to see its plural page.

Origin and Etymology of Data

From Latin datum (plural data), meaning 'given thing'.

Cultural note: Technically plural of 'datum', but treated as singular in modern English.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Data

What is the plural of “data”?

The plural of “data” is “data”.

Is “data” regular or irregular?

This page classifies it as uncountable based on the available plural data.

Explore “Data” in Other Tools