The singular of data in Latin is datum, but in English it’s data. It is a mass noun where it’s not easy to break it into individual, countable pieces. Something like sand is almost never represented in ite plural form of sands.

  • br3d@lemmy.world
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    23 days ago

    It’s become a mass noun, but only thanks to years of people using it wrongly. It was originally very much the plural of datum

  • Semjaza@lemmynsfw.com
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    22 days ago

    Yanks say mass noun and not uncountable noun?

    To me, mass noun sounds more like a group noun, such as family or police - where they work as both singular and plural .

    My family are hungry. My family is hungry.

    • CrayonRosary@lemmy.world
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      22 days ago

      Brits who say “Microsoft are doing a thing” are poking knitting needles into my ears every time!

      It’s not plural. Microsoft is a company. A. One!

      It doesn’t matter that it’s a company of individuals. Next your going to tell me my person is plural because I’m made from many cells. “CrayonRosary are mistaken about language!” No!

      Bonus: Math is singular, too, because mathematics is singular. It’s not the plural of mathematic!

      I’m just playin’.

      • Semjaza@lemmynsfw.com
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        22 days ago

        Created the time line specifically for Webster to frankenstein the language for sinister ends.

        I admire the gusto.

        But also: