Data are, or data is?

[Rio]

On the radio I heard someone say, "The data are wrong..."

I would have said, "The data is wrong..."

The more I think about it, the more I feel the person on the radio was correct.

The dictionary says the word data can be treated as a singular. But strictly speaking the word is a plural. How does such a thing happen in language? You wouldn't say, "the cars is fast". How does a plural gain acceptance as a singular?

[Maeve]

Rio,
I decided to answer your question on data with a full-length post. Watch for it.

[Rio]

Thanks for the full-length post, Maeve. Now that's what I call an answer to a question!

[Maeve]

Rio,
I take all questions most seriously.

[DanielScocco]

Here is the article.

Good stuff Maeve http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-vicissitudes-of-the-latin-plural-in-english/

[prince]

Rio,
I take all questions most seriously.

i admire this in u Maeve.. go ahead
thank u