Common Mistakes with the Plural of Analysis
If you write academic papers, research reports, or even professional emails, you have almost certainly needed the plural of analysis. The correct plural is analyses (pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez). The most common mistake is writing analysises or using analysis as both singular and plural. This guide explains the rule, shows you how to avoid errors, and gives you the confidence to use analyses correctly in any context.
Quick Answer: What Is the Plural of Analysis?
The plural of analysis is analyses. This follows the Greek-derived pattern where words ending in -sis change to -ses in the plural. Other examples include thesis → theses, crisis → crises, and hypothesis → hypotheses. Never add an extra -es or change the ending to -ises.
Why This Mistake Happens
English learners often treat analysis like a regular noun and add -es to form analysises. This is understandable because most English plurals are formed with -s or -es. However, analysis comes from Greek, and it keeps its original plural pattern. Another common error is using analysis for multiple studies, as in We conducted three analysis. This is incorrect because the singular form cannot describe more than one item.
Comparison Table: Singular vs. Plural
| Singular | Plural | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| analysis | analyses | The analysis was thorough. / The analyses were thorough. |
| thesis | theses | Her thesis is due Friday. / Their theses are due Friday. |
| crisis | crises | A crisis occurred. / Two crises occurred. |
| hypothesis | hypotheses | This hypothesis is new. / These hypotheses are new. |
Natural Examples of Analyses in Use
Seeing analyses in real sentences helps you internalize the correct form. Below are examples from different contexts.
Academic Writing
- The researcher published three separate analyses of the survey data.
- Our analyses show a significant correlation between sleep and productivity.
- Each of the analyses used a different statistical method.
Professional Emails
- Please attach the analyses from last quarter before the meeting.
- I have reviewed both analyses and prefer the second approach.
- Could you run additional analyses on the customer feedback?
Everyday Conversation
- After several analyses of the situation, we decided to change our strategy.
- My friend did two different analyses of the movie and still couldn’t decide.
- The doctor’s analyses of the test results were reassuring.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Using “Analysises”
Incorrect: We completed three analysises of the sample.
Correct: We completed three analyses of the sample.
Mistake 2: Using “Analysis” as a Plural
Incorrect: The analysis from both labs agree.
Correct: The analyses from both labs agree.
Mistake 3: Confusing “Analyze” with “Analysis”
Incorrect: I need to do an analyze of the data.
Correct: I need to do an analysis of the data. / I need to analyze the data.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
While analyses is the correct plural, sometimes a different word fits better depending on tone and context.
- Studies – Use in formal research contexts when referring to multiple investigations. Example: Several studies confirm this finding.
- Reviews – Good for less technical writing or when summarizing existing work. Example: The team conducted reviews of the literature.
- Assessments – Works in business or educational settings. Example: We need fresh assessments of the project risks.
- Evaluations – Suitable for performance or product contexts. Example: The evaluations showed consistent improvement.
In informal conversation, you might say checks or looks instead of analyses. For example: I did a few quick checks on the numbers. However, in academic or professional writing, stick with analyses for precision.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Analyses is a formal word. Use it in research papers, reports, official emails, and presentations. In casual conversation or informal writing, you can often replace it with simpler terms like looks, checks, or breakdowns. For example:
- Formal email: Please find attached the analyses for the Q3 report.
- Informal conversation: I took a few looks at the numbers and they look good.
Choosing the right level of formality shows you understand your audience. In a mixed setting, such as a team meeting with both executives and junior staff, analyses is safe and professional.
Nuance: When to Use “Analysis” vs. “Analyses”
Sometimes writers hesitate because they are unsure if they are talking about one or multiple items. Here is a simple test: if you can count the number of separate examinations or studies, use analyses. If you are referring to a single process or result, use analysis.
- Singular: The analysis took three hours. (one process)
- Plural: The analyses took three hours each. (multiple processes)
Be careful with collective nouns. For example, a series of analyses is correct because series can be singular or plural, but analyses remains plural. Example: A series of analyses was conducted.
Mini Practice: Test Yourself
Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The scientist presented her (analysis / analyses) of the new data.
- We need to run several more (analysis / analyses) before the deadline.
- His (analysis / analyses) of the situation was spot on.
- All three (analysis / analyses) reached the same conclusion.
Answers: 1. analysis (singular), 2. analyses (plural), 3. analysis (singular), 4. analyses (plural)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “analyses” pronounced differently from “analysis”?
Yes. Analysis is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-sis. Analyses is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez. The last syllable changes from “sis” to “seez.”
2. Can “analysis” ever be used as a plural?
No. Analysis is always singular. Using it as a plural is a grammatical error. Always use analyses for more than one.
3. What about the word “analyze”? Is it related?
Yes. Analyze is the verb form. Analysis is the noun. For example: I will analyze the data. (verb) and I will write an analysis. (noun). The plural of the noun is analyses.
4. Are there other words that follow the same pattern?
Yes. Common examples include thesis → theses, crisis → crises, hypothesis → hypotheses, parenthesis → parentheses, and diagnosis → diagnoses. Learning this pattern helps you avoid mistakes with all of them.
Final Tip for Remembering
Think of the phrase one analysis, many analyses. The change from -sis to -ses is consistent across Greek-derived words. If you write analysises, you are adding an extra syllable that does not exist. Stick with analyses and your writing will sound natural and correct.
For more help with tricky plurals, visit our Confusing Plurals section. You can also explore Common Plural Forms or Plural Spelling Rules for additional guidance. If you have questions, check our FAQ page or contact us directly.
