Data vs Statistic

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Data

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 noun

Statistic

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 noun

	Data	Statistic
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ˈdeɪtə// 🇺🇸 //ˈdeɪtə//	🇬🇧 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/stəˈtɪstɪk/"]/
Meaning	Facts and figures that can be analyzed.	A number that describes a group or situation.
Example	The scientist collected data for her research project.	The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	A2	B1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	collect data, analyze data, present data, data protection, data analysis	statistic analysis, statistic data, statistic significance, statistic model, statistic report
Antonyms	opinion, theory	individual, anecdote
Common mistakes	Confusing 'data' as only plural; it can be used as singular., Using 'data' as a verb., 'Data' used without context can lead to confusion.	Confused with 'statistical', which is an adjective., Using 'statistic' in plural form incorrectly as 'statistics' when discussing the field of study., Mispronouncing it as 'stati-stic' instead of 'sta-tis-tic'.
Usage notes	Commonly used in science, technology, and business. Not typically used in casual conversation without context.	Commonly used in academic and professional contexts. Avoid using in casual conversations unless related to data or research. Be cautious with statistical data to ensure accuracy.

See it in real clips

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

The data is very corrupt.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

Now, I could sync that with data from the motion detectors,

The Pitt › S1 E1

and publishes the data online.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

The data is very corrupt.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

Now, I could sync that with data from the motion detectors,

Data

Frequently asked questions: Data vs Statistic

What's the difference between Data and Statistic?

Data: Facts and figures that can be analyzed. Statistic: A number that describes a group or situation.

Which is more advanced: Data and Statistic?

Statistic is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Data and Statistic the same CEFR level?

Data: A2, Statistic: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Data and Statistic?

Data: noun, Statistic: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Data: The scientist collected data for her research project. Statistic: The statistic showed a significant increase in sales this quarter.

Can I use Data and Statistic interchangeably?

Not always. Data and Statistic are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.