Analysis vs Analyses: What’s the Real Difference? 

Analysis is singular. It means one detailed examination of something. Analyses is the plural, used for two or more examinations. So the difference between analysis and analyses is simply one versus many.

What Does Analysis Mean?

Analysis Meaning and Definition

Analysis is a singular noun. It means breaking something into parts to understand it better. It names both the process and the result.

Related terms include examination, evaluation, study, and breakdown.

Where Analysis Comes From

The word comes from the Greek analusis. It joins ana (up or apart) and lysis (loosening). Together they mean “to loosen apart.”

English kept the Greek spelling and the Greek plural. That is why the plural of analysis looks unusual.

Analysis in a Sentence

  • The doctor reviewed one analysis of the blood test.
  • Her market analysis showed strong sales.
  • This analysis of the poem is easy to follow.

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What Does Analyses Mean?

Analyses Meaning as the Plural of Analysis

Analyses is the plural of analysis. It refers to more than one study, test, or report. It sounds like uh-NAL-uh-seez.

Many Greek-origin words that end in -is change to -es in the plural.

SingularPlural
analysisanalyses
crisiscrises
thesistheses
hypothesishypotheses
diagnosisdiagnoses

Why It Is Never “Analysises”

Most English nouns add -s or -es. Greek-origin nouns that end in -is follow a different rule. They swap -is for -es.

So “analysises” is always wrong. The only correct analysis plural is analyses.

Analyses in a Sentence

  • The team ran three analyses of the survey data.
  • Two separate analyses reached the same result.
  • Their statistical analyses improved the report.

Analysis vs Analyses

Singular vs Plural at a Glance

FeatureAnalysisAnalyses
NumberSingularPlural
MeaningOne examinationTwo or more examinations
Verb matchThe analysis wasThe analyses were
Sounduh-NAL-uh-sisuh-NAL-uh-seez
ExampleOne data analysisSeveral data analyses

Easy Memory Tricks

Look at the letters. Analysis has “si,” like singular. Analyses has “se,” like several.

Another quick rule: one study means analysis, and many studies mean analyses.

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How to Use Analyze, Analysis, and Analyses Correctly

Analyze vs Analysis: Verb and Noun

Analyze is a verb. It means to examine something closely. Analyzing is the action in progress. Analysis is the noun that names the result.

You analyze the data, and then you write the analysis.

Real-Life Examples

  • Business: “Please send the sales analysis by Friday.”
  • School: “The essay needs a deeper analysis of the theme.”
  • Science: “The lab ran two analyses on each sample.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Analysis vs Analyses

Is there a plural of analysis?

Yes. The plural of analysis is analyses. It is used for two or more studies, tests, or reports.

How do you use analyze in a sentence?

Analyze is a verb. For example: “We analyze the data every week.” Or: “She analyzed the results yesterday.”

What is the difference between analyzing and analysis?

Analyzing is the action of examining something. Analysis is the noun for the examination or its result.

Is the word “analyses” correct?

Yes. Analyses is the correct plural noun. In British English, it is also the verb form of “analyse,” as in “she analyses data.”

What is the difference between “analysis” and “analyses”?

Analysis is singular and means one examination. Analyses is plural and means more than one.

Why do we say deer and not deers?

Deer is a zero-plural noun. Its plural stayed the same from Old English, like sheep and fish. Analysis is a different case, since it follows the Greek -is to -es pattern.

Conclusion

Use analysis for one examination and analyses for more than one. The Greek -is to -es rule explains the odd spelling. Keep the “si” for singular and “se” for several, and you will pick the right word every time.

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