Posted by JenStar on August 26, 2004, at 11:02:16
In reply to Re: How funny and a question » JenStar, posted by AuntieMel on August 26, 2004, at 9:00:05
Yes, data ARE supposed to be plural here, and datum should be singular. I remember in engineering school our teachers used to lecture and lecture about this: "Say 'the data indicate' instead of the 'the data indicates' or 'the data show' in stead of 'the data shows.' People would still get it wrong. Despite my best efforts, I slip up sometimes too!
But people completely misuse it...it's possible that the use will even change here in the US!
Have you ever read stuff by the comedian George Carlin? He has a whole bit where he rants about the chronic mis-use of words & phrases. Some of it is pretty funny. (If you don't mind his rage and liberal use of cursewords.)
Also, Dave Barry used to periodically write his "Mr. Language Person" columns where he'd make fun of bad grammar & such.
If you haven't read those, you might enjoy them!
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:382165
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040820/msgs/382529.html