Plural of Statistic: Meaning, Usage, Rules, Examples, and Common Errors

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Understanding the correct plural form and usage of the word statistic is essential for clear and accurate communication in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. This comprehensive grammar guide explores the pluralization of “statistic,” its meanings, grammatical rules, example sentences, common mistakes, and advanced nuances. Whether you are a student, teacher, researcher, writer, or English language learner, mastering the distinction between statistic and statistics will improve your writing and speaking skills.

Table of Contents

2. Introduction

The words statistic and statistics appear everywhere: in news articles, academic journals, business reports, and casual conversation. Yet, many English users—both native and non-native speakers—struggle with their correct pluralization and usage. This article provides a thorough explanation of the plural form of “statistic,” explores its multiple meanings, grammatical rules, common confusions, and advanced nuances.

Mastering the distinctions between statistic (singular countable noun), statistics (plural countable), and statistics (uncountable, referring to the field of study) is crucial for anyone who wants to communicate with precision. Misusing these forms can cause confusion or misunderstanding, especially in academic and professional writing.

This guide will help you:

  • Understand the definitions and grammar of “statistic” and “statistics”
  • Apply the correct pluralization rules
  • Avoid common mistakes
  • Practice with real examples and exercises
  • Explore advanced usages and frequently asked questions

Let’s begin by defining what a statistic is and how its plural forms are used.

3. Definition Section

3.1 What Is a Statistic?

The word statistic comes from the Latin statisticus and the Italian statista, meaning “statesman” or “statecraft.” Its use in English dates back to the 18th century, originally referring to data about the state or government.

Modern dictionary definitions of statistic include:

  • (Countable noun) A single numerical fact, value, or measurement derived from data.
  • (Countable noun) A calculated number that summarizes or describes a set of data.
Form Dictionary Definition Function
statistic (singular) A single numerical piece of data or a calculated value Countable noun
statistics (plural) Several numerical data points or calculated values Plural countable noun
statistics (uncountable) The science of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data Uncountable noun (field of study)

3.2 Plural Form: Statistics

Most English nouns ending in -ic form their plural by simply adding -s: statistic → statistics.

As a plural noun, statistics refers to multiple numerical facts or values. However, statistics is also used as a singular uncountable noun when referring to the academic field or discipline.

3.3 Dual Function: Countable and Uncountable

The word statistic is countable: you can have one statistic or many statistics.

The word statistics can be:

  • Countable plural: multiple numerical data points
  • Uncountable: the academic field (like “mathematics”)
Form Countable? Meaning Example
statistic Yes (singular) One data point This statistic is surprising.
statistics (data) Yes (plural) Several data points The statistics show a trend.
statistics (field) No (uncountable) The academic discipline Statistics is an important subject.

3.4 Usage Contexts

The words statistic and statistics appear in many contexts:

  • Academic writing: research papers, scientific articles
  • Everyday language: casual conversation, news
  • Professional/Technical reports: business, government, technical fields
Context Example
Academic writing One important statistic supports the hypothesis.
Everyday language Did you hear that statistic on the news?
Professional report The statistics in this report are up to date.
Field of study Statistics is required for my degree.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1 Forming the Plural of Statistic

Rule: To form the plural of statistic, add -s:

  • statistic → statistics
Singular Plural Example Sentence
statistic statistics This statistic is interesting. / These statistics are interesting.
topic topics One topic / Many topics
logic logics Logic is important. (Note: “logics” is rare.)
clinic clinics The clinic is open. / The clinics are open.

4.2 Pronunciation Changes

statistic /stəˈtɪstɪk/ (four syllables)
statistics /stəˈtɪstɪks/ (three syllables with plural s sound)

  • Emphasis is on the second syllable: sta-TIS-tic, sta-TIS-tics

4.3 Grammatical Roles

“Statistic” and “statistics” can function as:

  • Subject: The statistic shows a trend.
  • Object: She used several statistics in her report.
  • Complement: The main subject is statistics.

Example Sentences:

  • Subject: Statistics is a difficult subject. (field)
  • Object: He cited a statistic during his presentation.
  • Complement: Her favorite subject is statistics.

4.4 Singular vs. Plural Agreement

statistic (singular): Use a singular verb.
statistics (plural, data): Use a plural verb.
statistics (uncountable, field): Use a singular verb.

Subject Verb Example
statistic is The statistic is alarming.
statistics (data) are The statistics are surprising.
statistics (field) is Statistics is my favorite subject.

5. Types or Categories

5.1 Statistic as a Data Point

A statistic is a single numerical value, measurement, or calculated data point.

  • One statistic from the survey was surprising.

5.2 Statistics as a Field of Study (Uncountable)

Statistics, as an uncountable noun, refers to the academic discipline focused on collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data.

  • Statistics is an interesting subject.
  • I am majoring in statistics.

5.3 Statistics as Multiple Data Points (Countable Plural)

Statistics also refers to a group of numerical data points or calculated values.

  • The statistics show a rising trend.
  • These statistics are from last year’s report.

Note: Do not confuse this with the field of study.

Several related words are commonly used:

  • stat – informal, short for statistic
  • statistical – adjective, relating to statistics
  • statistician – a person who works with statistics
Term Part of Speech Meaning Example
statistic noun Single data point That is an interesting statistic.
statistics noun Data points or field of study Statistics show a trend./Statistics is my major.
stat noun (informal) Short for statistic Give me the key stats.
statistical adjective Related to statistics Statistical methods are important.
statistician noun Person who works with statistics She is a statistician at the university.

6. Examples Section

6.1 Basic Examples

10+ sentences using “statistic” (singular):

  1. One statistic from the study stood out.
  2. That statistic surprised the researchers.
  3. Each statistic in the report was carefully checked.
  4. This statistic is higher than last year’s.
  5. She quoted a statistic during her presentation.
  6. Can you explain this statistic to me?
  7. The statistic on page five is incorrect.
  8. Only one statistic changed significantly.
  9. What does this statistic represent?
  10. My favorite statistic is about reading habits.
  11. A single statistic cannot tell the whole story.

10+ sentences using “statistics” (plural countable):

  1. The statistics show an increase in sales.
  2. These statistics are from last month’s survey.
  3. Several statistics indicate a positive trend.
  4. All the statistics in this chart are accurate.
  5. We need more statistics to support our argument.
  6. Those statistics were collected by experts.
  7. Some statistics are missing from the report.
  8. His statistics do not match ours.
  9. Many statistics point to the same conclusion.
  10. Few statistics contradict the hypothesis.
  11. Updated statistics will be available soon.

10+ sentences using “statistics” (uncountable/subject area):

  1. Statistics is a required course for biology majors.
  2. I am studying statistics at university.
  3. Statistics is the science of data analysis.
  4. She teaches statistics to undergraduates.
  5. Statistics helps us make informed decisions.
  6. Is statistics difficult to learn?
  7. Statistics is essential in many fields.
  8. His degree is in statistics.
  9. Statistics deals with collecting and interpreting data.
  10. Statistics was developed centuries ago.
  11. Statistics is my favorite subject.
Table 1: Singular, Plural, and Uncountable Usage Comparison
Singular (“statistic”) Plural (“statistics” – data) Uncountable (“statistics” – field)
This statistic is surprising. The statistics are surprising. Statistics is an important subject.
One statistic changed. Several statistics changed. Statistics is a growing field.
That statistic was wrong. Some statistics were wrong. Statistics is required for this major.

6.2 Contextual Examples

Table 2: Contexts and Examples
Context Example Sentence
Academic writing One important statistic supports the hypothesis.
Academic writing Statistics is fundamental in scientific research.
News reporting Statistics show that unemployment is falling.
News reporting This statistic comes from the national census.
Everyday conversation Do you know any interesting statistics about the Olympics?
Professional report The statistics in this financial report are up to date.

6.3 Comparative Examples

Table 3: Contrasting Sentences and Explanations
Example Sentence Form Explanation
She cited a statistic in her essay. Singular countable One data point
The statistics are updated every year. Plural countable Multiple data points
Statistics is a branch of mathematics. Uncountable (field) The subject area

6.4 Examples with Verb Agreement

5+ examples showing correct subject-verb agreement:

  • The statistic is misleading. (singular)
  • The statistics are misleading. (plural)
  • Statistics is fascinating. (field)
  • Those statistics were gathered last year.
  • Statistics helps us understand trends.
Table 4: Subject-Verb Agreement in Different Contexts
Subject Verb Object/Complement Example
statistic is valuable This statistic is valuable.
statistics (data) are useful The statistics are useful.
statistics (field) is difficult Statistics is difficult for some students.

6.5 Error Analysis Examples

Incorrect vs. correct usage:

Table 5: Error Correction Examples
Incorrect Sentence Why Wrong? Corrected Sentence
The statistics is surprising. Plural noun with singular verb The statistics are surprising.
Statistics are my favorite subject. Field of study requires singular verb Statistics is my favorite subject.
This statistics shows a trend. Should be singular: “statistic” This statistic shows a trend.
A statistics supports the claim. Cannot use “a” with plural A statistic supports the claim.
Many statistic are false. Should use plural: “statistics” Many statistics are false.

7. Usage Rules

7.1 Basic Pluralization Rule

Rule: For nouns ending in -ic, add -s to make the plural:

Table: “-ic” Nouns and Plural Forms
Singular Plural Example
statistic statistics One statistic / Many statistics
topic topics One topic / Many topics
clinic clinics Clinic / Clinics

7.2 Using Statistics as Uncountable Noun

When “statistics” refers to the subject or field, it is uncountable and takes a singular verb (“is”).

  • Correct: Statistics is important in research.
  • Incorrect: Statistics are important in research. (unless referring to data points)

7.3 Using Statistics as Countable Noun

When “statistics” refers to multiple data points, it is plural and takes a plural verb (“are”).

  • Correct: The statistics are clear.
  • Incorrect: The statistics is clear.

7.4 Special Cases and Exceptions

Sometimes “statistics” refers to a single set of data, but it still takes a plural verb in that context.

Table: Special Cases with Examples
Form Verb Example
statistics (single set) are The statistics are available in the appendix.
statistics (multiple sets) are Statistics are reported for each group.
statistics (field/subject) is Statistics is a fascinating subject.

7.5 Agreement with Quantifiers

  • Many, few, several → Use with plural (“statistics”)
  • Much → Use with uncountable (“statistics” as field)

Examples:

  • Many statistics show a similar pattern. (correct)
  • Few statistics contradict the theory.
  • Much statistics is theoretical. (incorrect! Should be “Much of statistics is…”)

8. Common Mistakes

8.1 Mixing Up Singular and Plural

  • Incorrect: The statistics is alarming.
  • Correct: The statistics are alarming.
  • Incorrect: One statistics shows a rise.
  • Correct: One statistic shows a rise.

8.2 Confusing Countable and Uncountable Uses

  • Incorrect: Statistics are my favorite subject.
  • Correct: Statistics is my favorite subject.

8.3 Incorrect Article Usage

  • Incorrect: A statistics supports the claim.
  • Correct: A statistic supports the claim.

8.4 Overgeneralization

  • Incorrect: Many statistics is useful.
  • Correct: Many statistics are useful.
  • Incorrect: Much statistics are difficult.
  • Correct: Much of statistics is difficult.

8.5 Table of Common Errors

Table 6: Common Mistakes, Why Wrong, Corrections
Incorrect Why Wrong? Corrected Form
Statistics are my favorite subject. “Statistics” as field is uncountable Statistics is my favorite subject.
A statistics is missing. Cannot use “a” with plural A statistic is missing.
These statistic are recent. Should be plural: “statistics” These statistics are recent.
Much statistics are available. Wrong quantifier and verb agreement Much of statistics is available.
Many statistic is outdated. Should use plural: “statistics” and plural verb Many statistics are outdated.

9. Practice Exercises

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

Choose “statistic” or “statistics” for each blank.

  1. One surprising ______ was reported in the news.
  2. The ______ in this chart are accurate.
  3. He majored in ______ at university.
  4. Can you explain this ______ to me?
  5. These ______ show a clear pattern.
  6. ______ is a branch of mathematics.
  7. We found another interesting ______.
  8. The ______ are misleading.
  9. This ______ supports the argument.
  10. Many ______ point to the same conclusion.

Answers:

  1. statistic
  2. statistics
  3. statistics
  4. statistic
  5. statistics
  6. Statistics
  7. statistic
  8. statistics
  9. statistic
  10. statistics

9.2 Error Correction

Find and correct the mistakes.

  1. The statistics is interesting.
  2. Statistics are a difficult subject.
  3. One statistics is missing.
  4. Many statistic are outdated.
  5. Statistics are my major.
  6. There is a lot of statistics in this report. (field)
  7. A statistics shows a rise in sales.
  8. Much statistics are necessary for analysis.
  9. This statistics is incorrect.
  10. These statistic are useful.

Answers:

  1. The statistics are interesting.
  2. Statistics is a difficult subject.
  3. One statistic is missing.
  4. Many statistics are outdated.
  5. Statistics is my major.
  6. There is a lot of statistics in this report. (Correct if referring to the field; if data, use “many statistics”)
  7. A statistic shows a rise in sales.
  8. Much of statistics is necessary for analysis.
  9. This statistic is incorrect.
  10. These statistics are useful.

9.3 Identification

For each sentence, is “statistics” countable (plural) or uncountable (field)?

  1. Statistics is important for economists.
  2. The statistics are not consistent.
  3. Do you like statistics?
  4. Updated statistics are released every year.
  5. Statistics helps us make decisions.
  6. The statistics support the findings.
  7. Statistics is my favorite subject.
  8. She analyzed the statistics carefully.
  9. Statistics was my major in college.
  10. The statistics are clear.

Answers:

  1. Uncountable (field)
  2. Countable (plural)
  3. Uncountable (field)
  4. Countable (plural)
  5. Uncountable (field)
  6. Countable (plural)
  7. Uncountable (field)
  8. Countable (plural)
  9. Uncountable (field)
  10. Countable (plural)

9.4 Sentence Construction

Write 5 sentences using “statistic” and “statistics” in different contexts. Sample answers:

  1. This statistic proves our hypothesis.
  2. Statistics is a challenging subject for many students.
  3. The statistics in this article are convincing.
  4. She gave an impressive statistic during her talk.
  5. Statistics is widely used in social sciences.

9.5 Table Completion

Table 7: Complete the Sentences with Singular or Plural Forms
Sentence Blank Answer
This ______ is from the survey. statistic/statistics statistic
These ______ are surprising. statistic/statistics statistics
______ is required for this degree. Statistic/Statistics Statistics
He found a new ______ to support his claim. statistic/statistics statistic
Many ______ indicate a trend. statistic/statistics statistics

10. Advanced Topics

10.1 Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement

In British English, “statistics” (field) may occasionally take a plural verb, but standard usage is singular: Statistics is a science. In American English, singular verb is the norm. In advanced academic writing, context and emphasis can sometimes affect verb agreement (especially with collective nouns).

10.2 Statistics in Compound Nouns

Use “statistical” (adjective), not “statistic,” in compounds:

Table 8: Compound Noun Examples
Compound Correct? Example
statistics report Correct (if the report contains statistics) The statistics report was published.
statistic analysis Incorrect –
statistical analysis Correct They performed a statistical analysis.
statistician team Correct The statistician team reviewed the data.

10.3 Semantic Ambiguity

Sometimes, “statistics” could mean either the field or the data. To clarify, add context:

  • “Statistics is an essential part of science.” (field)
  • “The statistics are shown in Table 2.” (data)
Table 9: Synonyms, Usage, and Examples
Term Usage Example Sentence
data Plural/uncountable; raw facts/figures The data were collected last week.
figure Countable; specific number This figure shows the results.
statistic Countable; calculated value This statistic is interesting.
statistics Plural (data)/Uncountable (field) Statistics are included in the appendix.

10.5 Historical Development

The term “statistic” was borrowed into English in the 18th century, initially referring to government data. The modern distinction between “statistic” (a single number) and “statistics” (the field or multiple numbers) evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries as mathematics and data science grew.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the plural of “statistic”?

    The plural of “statistic” is “statistics”.
  2. Is “statistics” singular or plural?

    “Statistics” can be plural (data points) or singular (field of study, uncountable).
  3. When should I use “statistic” versus “statistics”?

    Use “statistic” for a single number; use “statistics” for multiple numbers or the field of study.
  4. Can “statistics” be both countable and uncountable?

    Yes. “Statistics” is countable when referring to data points; uncountable when referring to the field.
  5. Is “statistics is” or “statistics are” correct?

    Use “statistics is” for the field; “statistics are” for the data points.
  6. What does “statistics” mean in academic writing?

    It can mean either the field of study or a body of data, depending on context.
  7. Why do some people say “statistics is a difficult subject”?

    They refer to the field/subject, which is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
  8. Can I use “a statistics”?

    No. Use “a statistic” for one data point.
  9. What is the difference between “statistic” and “data”?

    “Statistic” is a calculated value; “data” are raw facts or figures.
  10. Are there other nouns with similar countable/uncountable forms?

    Yes, e.g., “mathematics,” “physics,” “economics” (fields, uncountable); “data” (plural/uncountable).
  11. How do I know which verb form to use with “statistics”?

    Check if it refers to the field (singular verb) or to data points (plural verb).
  12. Are there regional (British/American) differences in usage?

    Minor; British English may treat “statistics” (field) as plural more often, but standard use is singular.

12. Conclusion

Statistic and statistics are commonly used words with important differences in meaning and grammar. Remember:

  • statistic — singular, countable (one data point)
  • statistics — plural, countable (multiple data points) or uncountable (the field)
  • Use singular verbs for the field of study; plural verbs for data points
  • Avoid common mistakes with articles, verb agreement, and context

Mastering these distinctions will help you communicate with clarity and precision in academic, professional, and daily situations. Continue practicing, consult reliable grammar resources, and pay close attention to context when using these terms.

For further improvement, explore advanced grammar textbooks or style guides.

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