Data is or data zijn?
The question of whether you write data is or data zijn comes up often. There is no choice that is always the best in every situation. The right form depends on the type of text, your target audience and the context in which you are writing.
What do you use in practice?
- In a job application or CV: usually use data is
- In a thesis or research: use data zijn
- In IT and business intelligence: data is is standard
Latin origin of the word data
The word data comes from Latin and is originally the plural of datum, literally: “something that is given”. From that origin, data zijn is the classical grammatical usage.
Data in the scientific world
In scientific and academic texts, the plural usage is often the standard. Sentences such as “De data zijn nog niet volledig geanalyseerd” follow this classical approach.
Especially in statistics, epidemiology and research reports, data zijn is often preferred.
Data in everyday language
In everyday Dutch, data is often used as a collective term, comparable to words such as informatie. In that context data is is the most natural formulation.
You mainly see this in media, commercial texts and within IT, business intelligence and data analysis.
The situation in English
The same debate exists in English. Traditionally data is plural, but in modern usage the singular data is is often chosen.
What is correct: data is or data zijn?
Both forms are correct, as long as they fit the context. In formal texts data zijn is often the safest choice. In everyday and business communication data is is widely accepted.
Language advice: be consistent
Whichever form you choose, consistency is most important. Do not switch between the two forms within one text without a clear reason.
Practical writing advice
- Choose data zijn in formal and scientific texts
- Choose data is in accessible and commercial communication
- Match your choice to your audience
Summary
- Origin: data is the plural of datum
- Science: data zijn
- Everyday use: data is
- Best advice: choose deliberately and stay consistent
Frequently asked questions about data: singular or plural
Below you will find short answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is data officially singular or plural?
Originally data is a plural form, but in modern language it is often used as a singular.
Which is better: data is or data zijn?
In formal texts data zijn is customary, in everyday communication data is.
May you use both forms?
That is possible, but it is better to stay consistent within one text.
Which form suits data and analytics?
In IT and business intelligence data is is usually used.