sing.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary
| Stands for | Singular |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
sing. stands for Singular, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.
Indicates the singular form of a word, or that a noun is used only in the singular in a given sense. Grammars use it when describing agreement between subjects and verbs.
Example: data (n.) pl. of datum, now often treated as a sing. mass noun in everyday and technical use
Usage notes
English grammatical number contrasts only singular and plural, while some languages also have a dual. Words such as "news" and "mathematics" end in -s but take singular verbs. Usage writers still debate "data" and "media," and many style guides now accept a singular verb with "data" in general writing. Linguistic glossing abbreviates singular as SG.