Sparky: I finished my report. There were a lot of data.

Mr. Maru: I see. This data looks interesting.

Sparky: Yes, these data are for sales in January.

Mr. Maru: Yes, THIS data IS for sales in January.

Sparky: I think you say THESE data.

Mr. Maru: No, this data.

Sparky: OK, fine. This data says people is buying the red shoes.

Mr. Maru: People ARE. People ARE buying the red shoes.

Sparky: Um, okay. Well, that's it.

Mr. Maru: Great work Sparky! Go tell the staff, they can go home early.

Sparky: Oh great! The staff loves to go home early.

Is data singular or plural? Is people singular or plural? How about staff? Today let's go over these three words that are often confusing. We will look at some examples and explanations of all three. There is a quiz at the end.

Is data singular or plural?

There was a word 'datum' in Latin. The plural of 'datum' is 'data.' This word 'datum' is no longer used in English, so we just use data. Some people believe that 'data' is plural. Some people believe 'data' is singular. In American English, 'data' is usually singular, but in British English 'data' is usually plural. For example,

American English
This data is about sales in March.

British English
These data are about sales in March.

The word 'data' can be used in both singular and plural forms. However, in American English 'data' is usually singular. In British English, 'data' is usually plural.

In the conversation between Sparky and Mr. Maru, both of them are correct. Although Sparky is probably from England, and Mr. Maru is probably from America.

Is 'people' singular or plural?

The word 'people' is plural:

People are buying many red shoes.

The singular of 'people' is 'person':

A person is buying the last pair of green shoes.

Sometimes, people can be used in a plural form to mean the people living in a particular area, country, or ethnic group:

The peoples of Europe are working together to create a green environment.

The word 'person' can be used in a plural form in official or formal language:

This room can hold 450 persons.

Is staff plural or singular?

The word 'staff' is like 'data.' This word is sometimes singular or plural. Again, in American English, it is usually singular. In British English, it is usually plural. Both forms are okay.

American English
The staff is ready.

British English
The staff are ready.

Numbers can be used in front of 'staff.' This is usually used only in British English. When numbers are used, it is always plural:

Two staff are sick today. They can't come to work.

In American English, it is usually re-written:

Two of our staff are sick today.

Singular or Plural Quiz

In England -

1) ____ data ____ us make decisions.

A) These, help

B) This, helps

C) These, helps

In America -

2) The staff ___ taking a break in the break room.

A) be

B) are

C) is

3) The peoples of India ___ a lot of curry.

A) eat

B) eats

C) eaten

Answers -

1. A) - In British English, data is usually plural.

2. C) - In American English, staff is usually singular.

3. A) - The plural form of 'people', 'peoples', is often used to talk about people of a country.

Thanks for stopping by and reading Teacher Stumpers this week. Special thanks to @tonyinosaka and @createsean who helped me on Twitter. If you have a difficult grammar question, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can tweet me @nealchambers.