Business Writing Tips from The Writing Center

This week we'll confirm the answer to the data question--is data singular or plural?--and sort out a bit more.

data: Data is a plural form; the singular datum is rarely used. When used as a mass noun meaning information, data requires a singular verb. (Not much data is available.)  When data means facts or pieces of information, it requires a plural verb. (These data are described fully elsewhere.)

different than: Use different from, not different than.

discreet, discrete: Discreet means careful, maintaining silence about private or delicate information. Discrete means separate. (Human Resources personnel must be discreet. Discrete studies resulted in comparable results.)

disinterested: Disinterested means unbiased or impartial. Do not confuse disinterested with uninterested, which means not caring about.

e.g., i.e.: e.g. means for example and introduces an open-ended, representative list; i.e. means that is and introduces a closed, finite list or a defining statement. These terms are not interchangeable. (The two groups had much in common, e.g., an interest in e-technology and a need to train globally. They also shared a common immediate objective, i.e., to hire more staff.)

eminent, imminent: Eminent means distinguished in a particular profession (said of a person) or noteworthy and lofty (said of a thing or quality, such as honesty). Imminent means threateningly near at hand, usually said of a danger. (An eminent economist warned of imminent inflation.)

etc.: Etc. is an abbreviation of the Latin words et (and) and cetera (other things). It should not be preceded by and, it should not be used in combination with e.g. or such as, nor should it be used to avoid writing precisely.

fewer, less: Fewer refers to countable objects; less refers to singular mass nouns. (Fewer guests require less attention.) The distinction between fewer and less is disappearing in modern standard English. However, about 50 percent of modern educated writers still make the distinction.

foreword, forward: Foreword is a noun; forward is an adverb. A foreword is a preface in a book or article; it contains informal introductory remarks. Forward means toward the front or toward a goal.

formally, formerly: Formally means in a formal manner. (The new manager was formally introduced at the board meeting.) Formerly means at a previous time. (The manager was formerly with GE.)

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This edition was adapted from our Business Grammar Program. Previous editions may be read at http://www.uliveandlearn.com/newsletters/index.cfm.
 

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