Analysis Plural Form: Rule, Examples, and Mistakes
If you are writing a research paper, a business report, or an academic email, you may need to use the plural form of “analysis.” The correct plural is analyses (pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez). This follows the Greek-based rule for words ending in “-sis,” where the ending changes to “-ses” in the plural. This guide explains the rule, gives you clear examples, shows common mistakes, and helps you use “analyses” correctly in formal and informal contexts.
Quick Answer: What Is the Plural of Analysis?
The plural of “analysis” is analyses. Do not write “analysises,” “analysises,” or “analysiss.” The word changes from “-sis” to “-ses.” Use “analyses” when you are talking about more than one detailed examination, study, or interpretation of data, text, or a situation.
The Spelling Rule for Words Ending in -sis
English has many words borrowed from Greek that end in “-sis.” The rule is simple: change the “-sis” to “-ses.” This applies to academic and scientific terms. Here are a few common examples:
- crisis → crises
- thesis → theses
- hypothesis → hypotheses
- diagnosis → diagnoses
- parenthesis → parentheses
“Analysis” follows this exact pattern. The singular ends in “-sis,” so the plural ends in “-ses.”
When to Use Analysis vs. Analyses
Choosing between “analysis” and “analyses” depends on the number of studies or examinations you are referring to.
Use “analysis” (singular) when:
- You are talking about one detailed examination.
- Example: “The analysis of the survey data took two weeks.”
- Example: “Her analysis of the poem was insightful.”
Use “analyses” (plural) when:
- You are talking about two or more detailed examinations.
- Example: “The researchers published three separate analyses of the same experiment.”
- Example: “We need to compare the analyses from different laboratories.”
Comparison Table: Analysis vs. Analyses
| Feature | Analysis (Singular) | Analyses (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Number | One | Two or more |
| Ending | -sis | -ses |
| Pronunciation | uh-NAL-uh-sis | uh-NAL-uh-seez |
| Common context | A single study, report, or interpretation | Multiple studies, reports, or interpretations |
| Example sentence | This analysis is complete. | These analyses are complete. |
Natural Examples in Different Contexts
Seeing “analyses” in real sentences helps you understand how it fits into formal and informal writing.
Academic writing (formal)
- “The journal published both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the patient data.”
- “Her analyses of historical documents changed the way we understand the period.”
- “The professor asked for a comparative analysis of the two theories.” (singular)
Business and professional writing (formal to neutral)
- “Our team presented the market analyses to the board of directors.”
- “The financial analyses show a clear trend in consumer spending.”
- “Please send me the analysis for the third quarter.” (singular)
Everyday conversation and email (informal to neutral)
- “I read your analyses of the game, and I think you missed a key play.”
- “Can you do a quick analysis of this problem for me?” (singular)
- “We did two separate analyses, and both gave the same result.”
Common Mistakes with the Plural of Analysis
Even advanced English learners sometimes make errors with this word. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Adding an extra syllable
Incorrect: “We reviewed all the analysises.”
Correct: “We reviewed all the analyses.”
Do not add “-es” to the end of “analysis.” The correct plural is already “analyses.”
Mistake 2: Keeping the singular ending
Incorrect: “The report contains several analysis.”
Correct: “The report contains several analyses.”
When you use a word like “several,” “many,” or “two,” you must use the plural form.
Mistake 3: Confusing pronunciation
Some learners pronounce the plural the same as the singular. The singular ends with a short “iss” sound (uh-NAL-uh-sis). The plural ends with a long “eez” sound (uh-NAL-uh-seez). Practice saying the plural aloud to make the difference clear.
Mistake 4: Using “analysis” as a mass noun
Incorrect: “We need more analysis on this topic.” (when you mean multiple studies)
Correct: “We need more analyses on this topic.”
“Analysis” can be used as an uncountable noun in some contexts (e.g., “Analysis is important”), but when you mean multiple separate examinations, use the plural.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes “analyses” is the best word, but in other situations, a different word may be clearer or more natural. Here are some alternatives and their contexts.
| Word | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Studies | When referring to research projects or experiments | “Several studies confirm this finding.” |
| Examinations | When focusing on the act of looking closely at something | “The examinations of the samples were thorough.” |
| Reviews | When talking about assessments or evaluations | “The literature reviews were comprehensive.” |
| Interpretations | When emphasizing different ways of understanding data | “The interpretations of the results varied.” |
| Assessments | In business or educational contexts | “The risk assessments were completed on time.” |
Use “analyses” when you want to be precise and academic. Use alternatives when you want to be more general or when the context is less formal.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
“Analyses” is a formal word. It is the standard choice in academic papers, professional reports, and official documents. In informal conversation or casual email, you can still use “analyses,” but it may sound a little stiff. Here are some examples of how to adjust your tone.
Formal
“The analyses conducted by the research team indicate a significant correlation.”
Informal
“We looked at the numbers a few different ways, and they all point to the same thing.”
In a neutral email to a colleague, you can use “analyses” without sounding too formal: “I have attached the analyses for your review.”
Nuance: When “Analysis” Can Be Tricky
Sometimes “analysis” is used as a non-count noun, meaning it refers to the general process or concept rather than a specific instance. For example:
- “Analysis is a key part of scientific work.” (general concept)
- “The analysis of the data was difficult.” (one specific instance)
When you use it as a non-count noun, you do not use a plural form. But when you refer to multiple specific instances, you must use “analyses.”
Mini Practice: Check Your Understanding
Choose the correct form for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The scientist presented her (analysis / analyses) of the new compound.
- We compared the (analysis / analyses) from three different labs.
- How many (analysis / analyses) did you complete for the project?
- His (analysis / analyses) of the situation was accurate.
Answers
- analysis (singular, one scientist, one compound)
- analyses (plural, three different labs)
- analyses (plural, “how many” asks for a number)
- analysis (singular, one situation)
FAQ: Common Questions About the Plural of Analysis
1. Is “analyses” the only correct plural of “analysis”?
Yes. “Analyses” is the standard and only correct plural form in English. There is no alternative plural such as “analysises” or “analysiss.”
2. How do you pronounce “analyses”?
The plural “analyses” is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez. The final syllable rhymes with “seas” or “please.” The singular “analysis” is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-sis, with a short “iss” sound at the end.
3. Can “analysis” ever be used as a plural?
No. “Analysis” is always singular. If you need a plural, you must change the spelling to “analyses.” Using “analysis” as a plural is a common grammar mistake.
4. What is the difference between “analysis” and “analyses” in academic writing?
In academic writing, “analysis” refers to one detailed examination or interpretation. “Analyses” refers to two or more. For example, a paper might include a single analysis of one dataset, or it might include multiple analyses of different datasets. Using the correct form shows attention to detail and grammatical accuracy.
Final Tip for Using “Analyses” Correctly
When you are writing, ask yourself: “Am I talking about one examination or more than one?” If the answer is one, use “analysis.” If the answer is two or more, use “analyses.” This simple check will help you avoid the most common mistake. For more help with similar plural forms, visit our guide on Plural Spelling Rules or explore Confusing Plurals for other tricky words.
If you have questions about this or other grammar topics, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you improve your academic writing.
