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Subject:Re: is or are From:LaVonna Funkhouser <lffunkhouser -at- HALNET -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 30 May 1997 16:23:33 -0600
Marilyn Barrett O'Leary wrote
> Folks: My two cents worth: The word "data" is the plural form, therefore
> it requires the plural form of the verb - are.
...
> but one group insists on the plural form - scientists and
> medical types. Therefore,iIf you are writing for any type of "science"
> audience, use the plural form. They take great exception to the singular.
> For all others, use whatever fits. Marilyn
Yes! Sometimes you have to have a style guide developed
for your audience sitting on your desk to answer such questions.
The little SPE* Publications Style Guide says,
"data--Takes a plural verb. Datum is singular."
*SPE=Society of Petroleum Engineers
--LaVonna
lffunkhouser -at- halnet -dot- com
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