What is the Plural of Analysis?

The word “analysis” is a noun that refers to a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. When you need to talk about more than one analysis, the correct plural form is “analyses.”

This is not a case where you simply add an “s” to the word. The spelling changes because “analysis” comes from Greek and follows an irregular plural pattern common to words ending in “-is.”

Instead of “analysises,” which is incorrect, the “-is” ending changes to “-es,” producing “analyses.” The pronunciation also changes slightly.

While “analysis” is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (uh-NAL-uh-sis), “analyses” shifts stress to the first syllable (AN-uh-lee-seez).

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Why is the Plural not “Analysises”?

English borrows many words from Greek and Latin. In the case of “analysis,” the original Greek form was “analusis” (meaning a loosening up or breaking down).

In Greek, the plural of “analusis” is “analuseis.” When the word entered English through Latin and French, the plural kept the same grammatical rule: the “-is” ending changes to “-es” when pluralized.

The same rule applies to words like “thesis” becoming “theses,” “crisis” becoming “crises,” and “basis” becoming “bases.” These are known as irregular plurals because they do not follow the standard English rule of simply adding “-s” or “-es.”

How is “Analyses” Used in Sentences?

You use “analyses” when you are referring to more than one examination, report, or detailed breakdown of a subject. For example:

1. The research team conducted several analyses before publishing their findings.

2. Economic forecasts are based on analyses of market trends and consumer behavior.

3. His book contains in-depth analyses of Shakespeare’s plays.

4. Different chemical analyses revealed the presence of rare minerals in the soil.

In each example, “analyses” refers to multiple separate acts of analysis. Using “analysis” in these sentences would imply only one detailed examination, which would change the meaning entirely.

How do we Know “Analyses” is Correct According to Grammar Authorities?

Grammar and linguistics experts, as well as leading dictionaries such as the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster, agree that “analyses” is the correct plural.

Academic writing guides, such as those from major universities, also specify “analyses” in their grammar sections on irregular nouns.

Research in linguistics shows that irregular plurals like this are preserved in English largely because they occur frequently in professional and academic contexts.

In science, medicine, and business, “analyses” is a term you will see in peer-reviewed journals, legal documents, and industry reports.

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What is the Difference between “Analysis” and “Analyses” in Meaning?

While “analysis” refers to a single study, report, or breakdown, “analyses” refers to several such works or acts. If you are reading one laboratory report, you are looking at an analysis.

If you have a stack of laboratory reports from different experiments, you are dealing with analyses. The plural form signals that you are talking about multiple distinct examinations rather than one. This difference is important in academic, technical, and research settings, where precision in language is critical.

When Should You Use “Analyses” in Writing?

Use “analyses” whenever you need to be grammatically correct in referring to more than one analysis. For example, in a scientific paper, you might write, “We performed statistical analyses on the collected data to identify patterns.”

In business, you might say, “Quarterly financial analyses have helped the company plan future investments.” In literature reviews, “Previous analyses of the text reveal several recurring themes” shows you are referring to multiple scholarly works.

Are There Common Mistakes people make with this word?

Yes, one of the most common mistakes is using “analysis” when “analyses” is needed, or adding an extra “s” to make “analysises,” which is incorrect.

Another frequent error is pronouncing “analyses” as if it were “analysis” with an extra “es” sound at the end. The correct pronunciation has a change in stress and vowel sound. These errors are common among English learners and even native speakers who are less familiar with irregular plurals.

Examples of “analyses” in different contexts

1. Scientific research: The climate change study included several analyses of ice core samples from Antarctica.

2. Medical field: Doctors ordered blood and tissue analyses to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Education: The history professor’s book presents detailed analyses of ancient civilizations.

4. Business: Market analyses from three separate agencies confirmed a rise in consumer demand.

These examples show how “analyses” appears in varied professional and academic fields, always referring to more than one structured examination.

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Graphical Guide to Understanding “Analysis” vs “Analyses”

Imagine a simple diagram with two columns. The first column shows “analysis” with an image of a single report or chart.

The second column shows “analyses” with several reports stacked together. This visual distinction can help learners remember that the plural refers to multiple separate studies or examinations.

How to Remember The Plural Form Easily

A helpful memory trick is to think of other “-is” ending words you already know, like “thesis” or “crisis.” If you can recall that these words change to “theses” and “crises” in the plural, it will be easier to remember that “analysis” becomes “analyses.” Practicing sentences with these irregular plurals together can also strengthen your recall.

FAQ

Q1: What is the correct plural of analysis?
The correct plural is “analyses,” not “analysises.”

Q2: How do you pronounce “analyses”?
It is pronounced “AN-uh-lee-seez,” with the stress on the first syllable.

Q3: Can “analysis” ever mean more than one study?
No, “analysis” refers to a single study or examination. For more than one, use “analyses.”

Q4: Do other languages have the same plural form?
Greek and Latin follow similar rules, and English has preserved this irregular form from its borrowed origins.

Q5: Why is “analysises” wrong?
It breaks the grammatical rule for words ending in “-is” from Greek, which replace “-is” with “-es” in the plural form.

Q6: Is “analyses” used in everyday speech?
Yes, though it is more common in academic, technical, and professional contexts.