TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Data - collective noun From:"Christine A. Dobos" <CADOBOS -at- ACCUSORT -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 31 Aug 1995 15:16:04 EST4EDT
Ok folks, I've been following this data thing all day now and I'm
genuinely confused.
I was under the impression that "data" falls into a mysterious
category of collective nouns. According to Harbrace, lat time I
checked, collective nouns are treated to singular verbs. I know that
data is a plural form of datum, but, I stand by my conviction that it
is collective and should be treated as such.
Please reply and straighten me out personnaly if necessary.
Thanks
Chris
**my opinions and my ignorance are my own**
