Analysis is the singular form of the word. Analyses is the plural form. Use analysis when you mean one study, report, or breakdown. Use analyses when you mean more than one.
Here’s exactly how each word works, with real examples below.
What Does “Analysis” Mean?
Analysis is a noun. It means the process of breaking something down into smaller parts to understand it better. You do an analysis of data, a text, a situation, or a problem.
This word is singular. That means it refers to just one act of examining something.
When to Use “Analysis” in a Sentence
Use analysis when you’re talking about a single report, study, or breakdown.
- The analysis showed a clear pattern in sales numbers.
- Her analysis of the poem impressed the whole class.
- We need one more analysis before the launch.
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What Does “Analyses” Mean?
Analyses is the plural of analysis. It refers to two or more studies, reports, or examinations happening at once, or already completed.
This word does something most plural nouns don’t do. It doesn’t just add an “s” at the end.
When to Use “Analyses” in a Sentence
Use analyses whenever you’re describing multiple reports or reviews together.
- The lab ran three separate analyses on the samples.
- Her analyses of both novels revealed a shared theme.
- Government analyses of the housing market point to rising costs.
Analysis vs Analyses- Core Difference
The real difference between analysis vs analyses comes down to number. One item takes analysis. Multiple items take analyses.
This isn’t a spelling mistake or a typo. It’s a Latin-origin word that keeps its original plural pattern instead of following normal English rules.
Why “Analysis” Becomes “Analyses” (the “-sis” to “-ses” Rule)
Words that end in -sis often shift to -ses in the plural. This is called an irregular plural pattern, and it comes straight from Greek and Latin roots. You don’t add “-es” or “-s” to make it plural. You swap the ending entirely.
Like
- Thesis becomes theses
- Hypothesis becomes hypotheses
- Crisis becomes crises
- Diagnosis becomes diagnoses
- Basis becomes bases
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How to Remember Analysis vs Analyses
The word analysis contains “si,” just like the word singular. One analysis, one thing.
The word analyses contains “se,” just like the word several. Several analyses, many things.
Match the letters, and you’ll never mix them up again.
How to Pronounce Analysis and Analyses
Pronouncing “Analysis”
Analysis is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-sis. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the word ends with a soft “s” sound.
Pronouncing “Analyses”
Analyses is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez. The ending shifts from a soft “s” to a “z” sound, which is one more clue that you’re dealing with the plural form.
FAQs About Analysis vs Analyses
Is “analyses” a word?
Yes. Analyses is the correct plural form of analysis, used for two or more studies or reports.
What is the plural of “analysis”?
The plural of analysis is analyses. It follows the Greek-origin “-sis” to “-ses” pattern.
Is “analysis” singular or plural?
Analysis is always singular. It refers to one report, review, or breakdown of information.
How do you spell the plural of “analysis”?
Spell it a-n-a-l-y-s-e-s. Change the final “is” to “es” to form the plural correctly.
Can “analyses” be used as a verb?
No, not in this spelling. Analyses is a noun. The verb form is analyze, as in “researchers analyze the results.” Note that British spelling uses “analyse” for the verb, while the noun plural “analyses” stays the same in both styles.
Conclusion
Analysis and analyses aren’t interchangeable, but the rule is simple once it clicks. One report, one study, one breakdown: use analysis. More than one: use analyses. Keep the “-sis” to “-ses” pattern in mind, and you’ll use both words correctly every time.
Hi, I’m John Henry, the voice behind Grammar Nudge. I make grammar simple and easy to understand, from basic rules to advanced writing tips. Clear explanations. Practical examples. No confusion.
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