Should I state "the data are," or "the data is." [duplicate]

I have an Excel sheet with a series of variables and the formula output. I am trying to report what the data is (are?).

Should I say the "data are suggesting," or "the data suggests"? The latter sounds correct, but the former appears to be more accurate. Or does it even matter?

Solution 1:

Although "data" is the plural of "datum," these days "data" is used in both singular and plural constructs with the same meaning. To me, the singular form sounds better (i.e., "the data suggests"). Here's an explanation from Merriam-Webster:

Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: such as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, and a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (such as they and them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, and little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.

Solution 2:

"Data" is the plural of "datum." So you should say, "The data suggest." Or, as Ricky recommended in his comment, "The data would suggest."

Solution 3:

The most commonly used form is singular. "The data is suggesting..." or "The data suggests..." are both common and expected constructions.

"The data would suggest..." is also fine, but indicates a degree of uncertainty, as if your data is incomplete or premature in some way, or perhaps common sense is contrary to the current conclusions.