Subject- Verb Agreement Using the words media, data, criteria, etc. From the UWF Writing Lab’s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series Mini-Lesson #13

The following nouns are singular. What is their plural form? Criterion Criteria Datum Data Medium (as in a newspaper or magazine) Media

Media, data, and criteria are nouns that are Greek or Latin in origin Media, data, and criteria are nouns that are Greek or Latin in origin. These nouns are plural, but they are often mistakenly treated as singular nouns. Consider the following examples:

INCORRECT: The media was out of control during the mayor’s court hearing. CORRECT: The media were out of control during the mayor’s court hearing.

Media is the plural form of medium. Plural and Singular Forms of Frequently Used Greek and Latin Words Media is the plural form of medium. Criteria is the plural form of criterion. Data is the plural form of datum. Alumni is the plural form of alumnus. (alumna = female graduate, alumnae - plural)

Let’s Practice! The data is clear on this point: the pass/ fail course has become outdated by events. The media has covered the trial in a variety of formats. The main criteria is youth, which leaves him out. Betty was very impressed to hear that Stephen was an alumni of MIT.