> If anyone still believes that the word DATA is a plural in English, I
> can only ask what your AGENDA are.
Actually, I would argue that 'data', like 'moose', is either singular or
plural, depending on usage. I can, for instance, have a set of data,
composed of bits of data. BTW, the on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary
agrees with me : "Function: noun plural but singular or plural in
construction"
Also, 'datum' has come to mean something somewhat different than a single
piece of data, it's most commonly used (at least in the circles I move in)
to indicate a particular reference system of measuring location on the face
of the earth. Usually lat/lon, but other map coordinate systems also use a
datum. Typical (and globally recognized) datum names include things like
"North American Datum 1927" and "World Geodetic Survey 1972".
Randall
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