Thursday, November 19, 2020

Data-Driven Nitpicking

 

November 14, 2020

 

As you know, I’m a grammar freak.

But I’m wondering if it isn’t time to give the data debate a rest.

It’s a plural noun; but the use of “data” as a singular noun is so widespread that continually correcting it is exhausting; and besides, everybody knows what you mean, and isn’t that the point of language?

I’ll even cave on pronunciation. (Correct: day-ta; Incorrect: datta)

Does that mean I’m sacrificing my principles for convenience?

 

Or am I bowing to the inevitable evolution of language?




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