Let’s say you’re attending college to become a scientist. After much research, you have designed your own study and collected the data, and you’re ready to publish your findings. Your initial analysis suggested one result, and now you also need to reference several of them as they relate to it. What word do you use for more than one analysis?
Whether you’ve ever analyzed this question before or not, you’ve come to the right place for an answer. We’ll give you a spelling solution, along with some info that can help you with similar questions.
Stated quickly and simply, the plural of analysis is analyses.
These two words have similar spellings, pronunciations, and meanings. However, an analysis is a single study or event. The word for more than one analysis is analyses, with an “-es” ending instead of the singular “-is” ending.
Let’s take a quick look at each word being used correctly in a sentence:
I felt Sheila’s analysis of the situation was accurate and reasonable.
My students understand theory, but their analyses of real-world events can be improved.
As you can see, these words are related and similar. However, it’s important to recognize the slight differences in using them correctly.
Newer English speakers and those who are still learning grammar may wonder why the language can’t always maintain simple rules and conventions for spelling. Because most words are made plural by adding an “-s” to the end, new learners and speakers may become confused when certain other words don’t.
In the case of analysis, pluralizing the word conventionally would add difficultly to spelling it or saying it out loud. If you have ever heard someone use the incorrect version, analysises (uh-NAL-uh-sis-es), or one like it, you will understand. Such a word looks strange on a screen or printed page and makes itself a tongue twister as well.
This is the most common reason for nonstandard pluralization in American English. Although it can be tricky to learn these irregular words in their various forms, it’s worth the effort because the correct versions are much easier to use and understand. Master them once, and you’ll have them ready for usage always.
Some students and writers might contend with memorizing rules of spelling and grammar in American English, particularly in classroom settings. Regardless of whether you’re still working your way to a greater grasp of the language, you have many resources to make becoming a better communicator more fun right here with us.
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But what is the correct form of the word analyze or analyse to use in the event that the sentence should say “She ____ each of the reports herself.” Analyzes?
The verb “analyzes” is correct in American English.