My wife, who took Latin in high school, always makes fun of my use of that dead language. I admit, I struggle at times, but I’m working hard at getting better.
As scientists we have no choice to dip our toes into Latin. Species should be identified using their scientific name, which is very often Latin. And there are lots of other Latin terms in common, if abbreviated, use, like et cetera (etc), et alii (et al.), ex genera (e.g.) and id est (i.e.). Journals usually ask authors to write Latin species names in an italic font and abbreviate after first use. But these smaller abbreviations are not often italicized! Oh, it is so complicated. Always be sure to look at a recent issue of the journal to see what the standards are there.
But the real reason I’m writing this blog is to talk about data. You see, data is plural for datum. This means that when you refer to the data you have collected, you should write it as if you are talking about numbers (not number). ‘These data’, not ‘this data’. But no need to write ‘data’ with italics. Sure, its Latin, but in common English use. Those data sure are complicated!
As scientists, Latin will always be with us (thank you Karl Linnaeus). Best to learn how to use it, even if you struggle to pronounce it properly.
John @ ProofreadCanada