data
n
(a) [U or pl]
facts or information used in deciding or discussing sth 資料
Very little data is available. 現有的資料十分不足.
The data is/are still being analysed. 資料仍在分析中.
(b) [usu sing v 通常與單數動詞連用]
(computing 計) information prepared for or stored by a computer 數據
[attrib 作定語]
data analysis, capture, retrieval 數據分析、 捕捉、 檢索
data protection, ie legal restrictions on access to data stored in a computer 數據保護. data, NOTE ON USAGE 用法
There are a lot of nouns in English of Latin or Greek origin. 英語名詞中有很多來自拉丁語或希臘語. They often end in -us, -a, -um, -on, etc. 這些詞多以-us、 -a、 -um、 -on等結尾. The plural forms of these nouns can cause difficulty. 這些名詞的復數形式可能會造成困難.
1 Some, especially scientific terms, have kept their original singular and plural forms 有些詞, 特別是科學術語, 仍保留著原來的單復數形式: bacillus, bacilli
larva, larvae * criterion, criteria.
2 Many, especially those in general use, now only have a regular English plural form 其中很多詞, 特別是常用詞, 現在只有合乎英語規則的復數形式: arena, arenas
circus, circuses * electron, electrons.
3 Some have alternative plural forms, which are both acceptable. 有些詞, 有兩種復數形式, 均可使用. The Latin form is more formal 拉丁語式的復數形式較莊重: focus, focuses/foci
formula, formulas/formulae
spectrum, spectrums/spectra.
4 There is uncertainty with some nouns as to whether they are singular or plural 有些名詞到底是單數還是復數, 難以確定
This data is correct and These data are correct are both acceptable. 數據正確(英文句中用is或are均可). Paraphernalia (a Greek plural) is used as a singular noun *paraphernalia(希臘語復數)一字用作單數名詞
All my fishing paraphernalia is in the car. 我的魚具都在汽車里. Media (sing medium) is sometimes incorrectly used as a singular noun *media(單數為medium)一字有時誤用作單數名詞
The media are (NOT is) often accused of being biased. 傳播媒介常遭指責, 認為有偏見(英文句中不可用is).