Pedant

[caddyman]

I wish people would check before they make or suggest corrections. I have just had to debate the use of the word ‘data’ with an economist. I wrote the data are not available he “corrected” it to the data is not available. I suppose I am being pedantic since it is a Latin tag, but until the word is anglicised to the point where the noun datum disappears in favour of data and the plural becomes datas, I shall do it my way.

I have resolved not to pick him up on his maths skills provided he doesn’t pick me up on my use of English, though I shall entertain debate on the use of Latin tags.

Comments

[snorkel-maiden.livejournal.com]

Damn right. Don't back down :)

Haiku

[ash1977law.livejournal.com]

Not falling standards
Language changes over time
See 'Modern usage'

[pauln.livejournal.com]

I would suggest that, like sheep, data is used as both a singular and a plural noun (although perhaps "hair" is a better example). In most circumstances, including the one you refer to, it is plural usage.

[ash1977law.livejournal.com]

Quite true. Up until the 70's 'datum' was correct, but then computer-geeks started using 'data' as both singular and plural (being largely ignorant of the existence of the word 'datum' - having to master machine languages and Klingon they neglected Latin). Saying 'datum' is still correct, but less so than 'data' which thanks to computers has become the standard. In everyday language saying 'datum' is like saying 'follicle' instead of 'a hair'. Datum is now rarely used except by those who lack follicles.

[ellefurtle.livejournal.com]

Now, who was the pedant here? Your point about language is true and everybody knows about it. This is a FUN post, I think!

[bluesman.livejournal.com]

Yes, stick to your guns, Bry. You are correct and he is not.

[ash1977law.livejournal.com]

Ah, pedantry is a game best played in teams :)

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

With firearms or really big sticks....

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

We had this very game fairly recently (but I can't be bothered to search for it). hekai is where I am.

[pauln.livejournal.com]

I did like the exchange on the old Jonathan Creek we watched the other night:

Jonathan makes a pedantic observation
Maddi: Don't start with your pedanticism
Jonathan: You mean pedantry
Maddi gives a withering look

[theo]

I imagine that you made certain that you were referring to mere 'data' and not to 'information'.