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Data are facts and figures from which conclusions may be drawn. They may also have an illustrative function. The topical term ´data´ is commonly used with a plural verb, for example in a statement like, “These data show/ suggest/ indicate/ prove that binge drinking is on the increase in Sampleland.” But its use with a singular verb is also widespread, for instance in such a statement as, “This data [=this set of data] refers to the situation in Sampleland in 2011.”

The terms “number” and “figure” are near-synonyms. In some contexts they are interchangeable, in others they are not. Take the statement, “A large number of people (42, perhaps) have applied for the job.” The number of people is countable, and in this context saying “… a large figure/data of people” would be wrong.

In the following example, you could use number, figure, or data: “The latest official numbers/figures/data reveal that Sampleland´s economy has expanded by 2.1% in 2011, compared to 1.7% in 2010.” The three terms are equally acceptable here.