Ever wondered whether it’s “the data are” or “the data is”?

According to the OECD’s style guide, the grammatically correct form is “the data are.“

This aligns with the idea that “data” comes from the Latin word “datum,” meaning “something given” and is plural.

However, using “data” as a singular noun has become increasingly common, especially in recent years. 

For instance, a Google search for “the data are clear” gives 3,560,000 results, while “the data is clear” returns a whopping 41,400,000 results. 

Even well-known news organisations like The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian favour the singular form.

So, which one to choose?

While “the data are” suits a professional tone, in more casual contexts like blogs or emails, “the data is” is perfectly acceptable.

The decision is yours.

What are your thoughts on this?

Did you know that the first letter after the greeting in an English email begins with a capital letter?

It’s like shaking someone’s hand when you meet them for the first time. It’s a polite and professional way to start a communication.

And just like a handshake, it’s important to get it right.

If you don’t capitalise the first letter after the greeting, it’s like walking up to someone and grabbing their hand without saying hello. It’s rude and dismissive.

(Perhaps it’s not that bad, but I think you know what I mean!)

Here’s an example:

Dear Matthew,*

Thank you for inviting me to your birthday celebration next week …

See that capital “T”?

You might think that this is not so important. But I feel that capitalising that first letter after your greeting is a simple gesture that will give your emails that professional oomph.

*By the way, we don’t need the comma after the greeting according to https://www.plainenglish.co.uk/writing-letters.html

You’re looking for an alternative to the ordinary “You’re welcome“?

Try phrases like:

• “It was a pleasure.”
• “It was my pleasure.”
• “The pleasure was all mine.”

Or the shorter yet charming options:

• “My pleasure.”
• “Pleasure.”

But you might ask, “Why bother?”

The answer is straightforward—it adds a personal touch, conveying empathy and respect.

Who could resist such a delightful gesture?

While alternatives like “Don’t mention it,” “No problem” or “No trouble at all” exist (they remind me of the German “Keine Ursache”, a phrase I’m not particularly fond of), consider these more engaging expressions:

• “Anytime.”
• “Happy to help.”
• “It was the least I could do.”
• “I’m always glad to help.”
• “I’m thankful I could contribute in some small way.”
• “I’m happy I could be of service.”

Your choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Formal settings might call for a more professional response, while with friends and family, feel free to keep it relaxed.

Remember, it’s the small details that make all the difference! 💥

Which phrases do you prefer, or are there other clever responses to “Danke” that I might have missed?

What’s wrong with this sentence?

“Please be so kind to send me your new report.”

Is it a sentence you might use?

Actually, it should read: “Please be so kind as to send me your new report.”

Surprised? You might be.

But that’s the grammatically correct form.

But don’t worry. It’s a polite, formal, outdated way of asking someone to do something.

I suggest you use clear, up-to-date language. Simple say: Please send me your new report.

Easy when you know how, isn’t it?

So please be so kind as to remember “as to” or choose a different, less formal way to make your request.

That’s exactly what I would do!

Flowery phrases belong to the last century Plain speaking serves us much better.

And it won’t make you sound as if you’re writing a Jane Austen novel.

Once upon a time, in a land called America, the word “toilet” was a big no-no.

People would rather dance around the subject and use words like “bathroom,” “restroom” or “washroom.” 

Why, you ask? 

Well, there are a couple of theories.

Some say it dates back to the Victorian era, when folks were all about being proper and not talking about, well, bodily functions.

Others think it’s because public toilets in America were, let’s just say, not the best in the early 20th century.

Now, let’s hop across the pond to the United Kingdom. 

Over there, saying “toilet” is perfectly acceptable. No need to tiptoe around the subject. 

But wait, there’s more! The Brits have their own quirky terms for the toilet, like “ladies,” “gents,” “the men’s room,” “the ladies’ room,” “lavatory” or just plain “loo.”

So, if you find yourself in the US, maybe just stick to “washroom” or “restroom.” 

And if you’re in the UK, go ahead and let “toilet” roll off the tongue.

But if you’re not comfortable using the word “toilet”, try:

“I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Where can I wash my hands?”
“Where can I powder my nose?”

And see what happens!

Happy flushing!

Saying “Nice to meet you” the first time is a classic way to start a new relationship.

But what about the second, third or tenth time you see the same person? Should you keep saying “Nice to meet you”?

The answer is: NO! ❌

Imagine saying “Nice to meet you” to your colleague every morning when you arrive at work. It would sound a bit strange, right? After all, you’ve already met them.

Instead, you should say “Nice to see you (again).“ This phrase is perfect for repeated encounters, showing that you’re happy to see the person again. It conveys a degree of familiarity and appreciation.

So, next time you’re greeting someone, take a moment to think about whether you should say “Nice to meet you” or “Nice to see you.“

Not sure? Play it safe and say “Nice to see you.“

Here’s a little tip to help you remember:

• Nice to meet you — the first time 👋
• Nice to see you (again) — after that 😉

Now you can go forth and greet the world with confidence!

And share this post with your colleagues so they can learn the difference between “Nice to meet you” and “Nice to see you” too!