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> Which phrase do y*all prefer? Are any grammatically incorrect?
> 1) This data helps the analyst.
> 2) These data help the analyst.
> 3) The data helps the analyst.
> 4) The data help the analyst.
Data, despite its frequent misuse, is a plural noun. (sing. datum)
(unless, of course, you are referring to Lt. Cmd. Data of NCC-1701D <g>)
Thus, 2 and 3 are the only gramatically correct sentences.
The difference between the two is that 2 has the data as the object,
whereas 3 has the analyst as the object. (at least that's the way my
rusty grammarian tells me it should be.)
So, "correctness" depends on where you wish to place your emphasis.
Grant
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Grant Hogarth, Information Services Manager
Onyx Graphics Corp. Midvale, UT
"For I am a Bear of Very Little Brain,
and long words bother me."
--Winnie the Pooh
