Analysis vs Analyses

What is "Analysis"?

Analysis is a noun that means a detailed examination of something. When you analyze something, you break it down into its parts to understand it better.

Example:

"The analysis of the data showed interesting trends."

What is "Analyses"?

Analyses is the plural form of analysis. When you have more than one examination or study, you use analyses.

Example:

"The analyses of the reports were very thorough."

Singular: Analysis

"Analysis" is singular, referring to a detailed examination of something.

Example:

"The analysis of the data revealed significant trends."

Plural: Analyses

"Analyses" is the plural form, used when referring to multiple instances or types of analysis.

Example:

"The report includes descriptive, exploratory, inferential, and predictive analyses."

"Analysis is singular; analyses is plural. Since you conducted more than one, you need to use the plural form (analyses)." - [User: jefrye]

Debate on Usage

Some argue that "analysis" can function as a mass noun, making "analyses" unnecessary in some contexts. This usage is less common and context-dependent.

"Someone writing 'descriptive, exploratory, inferential, and predictive analysis' is not using 'analysis' as a singular or plural noun, but as a mass noun." - [User: dbulger]

However, most grammarians and usage guides recommend using "analyses" when referring to multiple types or instances to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

Theory and Rules

Singular and Plural Forms

In English, many nouns change form when they go from singular to plural. For most nouns, you add an "s" or "es" at the end. However, some nouns, like analysis, have irregular plural forms.

Singular: analysis

Plural: analyses

How to Form the Plural

The word analysis ends in "is." To make it plural, change the "is" to "es."

Analysis -> Analyses

This rule applies to other words with similar endings, such as thesis (plural: theses) and crisis (plural: crises).

Common Errors

Using "Analysis" and "Analyses" Incorrectly

Many learners mistakenly use analysis when they mean analyses, or vice versa. Remember, use analysis for one and analyses for more than one.

Incorrect: "The data analyses was helpful." Correct: "The data analysis was helpful."

Incorrect: "The analysis of the reports were detailed." Correct: "The analyses of the reports were detailed."

Everyday Use

When to Use "Analysis"

Use analysis when talking about one detailed examination.

"The doctor performed an analysis of the blood sample."

"Her analysis of the situation was insightful."

When to Use "Analyses"

Use analyses when talking about multiple examinations.

"The scientist published several analyses of the experiment results."

"The financial analyses helped the company make better decisions."

FAQ

What is the difference between "analysis" and "analyses"?

Analysis is singular, meaning one detailed examination. Analyses is plural, meaning more than one detailed examination.

How do you pronounce "analyses"?

"Analyses" is pronounced as "uh-NAL-uh-seez."

Can you give more examples of "analysis" and "analyses"?

Analysis: "The analysis of the test results was quick." Analyses: "Their analyses provided new insights."

Are there other words like "analysis" that change in a similar way?

Yes, words like thesis (theses) and crisis (crises) change in a similar way.

Why is it important to know the difference?

Knowing the difference helps you use the correct form in writing and speaking, making your English clearer and more professional.