nvm, i figured it out. dfm <- data.frame(x=1:10) testfunc <- function(data="dfm") { dat <- eval.parent(as.symbol(data)) sum(dat$x) } print(testfunc()) -- View this message in context: http://r.789695.n4.nabble.com/specify-data-frame-by-name-tp2996534p2996541.html Sent from the R help mailing list archive at Nabble.com.