What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
datum
Example
The datum for this experiment was collected from the control group. [datum: noun]
Example
The researcher recorded each datum carefully in the spreadsheet. [datum: singular form]
point
Example
The point where the two lines intersect is called the vertex. [point: noun]
Example
At this point, we need to make a decision about our next steps. [point: moment in time]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Point is more commonly used than datum in everyday language. Point has a broader range of applications and can be used in both technical and non-technical contexts, while datum is more specific to scientific and technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between datum and point?
Datum is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while point can be used in both formal and informal contexts.