Quick Answer: Analysis or Analyses?

Use analysis when you mean one study, examination, or breakdown. Use analyses when you mean more than one. The word never becomes “analysises” or “analysises.” Here is a simple reference:

• Singular: analysis (one)
• Plural: analyses (two or more)
• Incorrect: analysises, analysises, analysiss

Why the Plural Is “Analyses”

The word analysis comes from Greek, and English keeps the original plural pattern for these words. Other common examples include crisis becoming crises, thesis becoming theses, and hypothesis becoming hypotheses. Once you learn this pattern, you can apply it to many similar words.

The change happens at the end of the word: -sis becomes -ses. The pronunciation also shifts slightly. Analysis is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-sis, while analyses is pronounced uh-NAL-uh-seez. The vowel sound in the last syllable changes from a short “i” sound to a long “ee” sound.

Comparison Table: Analysis vs. Analyses

Natural Examples in Business Contexts

Seeing the word used naturally helps you remember the correct form. Here are examples you might encounter in emails, reports, or conversations.

Singular (Analysis)

• “The financial analysis shows a clear trend.”
• “Please send me the analysis from last quarter.”
• “This analysis is based on customer feedback.”
• “I need one more analysis before the meeting.”

Plural (Analyses)

• “We reviewed all three analyses before making a decision.”
• “The team presented their analyses of the market data.”
• “Our analyses indicate two possible outcomes.”
• “She compared the analyses from different departments.”

Formal and Informal Contexts

The word analysis and its plural analyses are used in both formal and informal settings, but the context changes how you might use them.

Formal Writing and Email

In formal business writing, reports, and academic work, you will use analysis and analyses directly. For example:

• “The analysis of revenue data is attached.” (formal email)
• “Our analyses confirm the initial hypothesis.” (research report)

In formal contexts, it is important to match singular and plural correctly. A mistake here can make your writing look careless.

Informal Conversation

In everyday conversation, people sometimes shorten the word or use it less precisely. You might hear:

• “I did a quick analysis of the numbers.” (informal meeting)
• “We ran a few analyses, and they all agree.” (team chat)

Even in informal speech, the correct plural form analyses is still used. Avoid saying “analysises” even in casual talk.

Common Mistakes with Analysis Plural

Even experienced writers make errors with this word. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using “Analysises” or “Analysises”

This is the most common error. Because most English plurals add -s or -es, people naturally try to add -es to analysis. But this word follows the Greek pattern, not the regular English pattern.

Wrong: “We need to review all the analysises.”
Right: “We need to review all the analyses.”

Mistake 2: Using “Analyses” for a Single Item

Some writers use analyses when they mean only one analysis. This is the opposite error.

Wrong: “This analyses is complete.”
Right: “This analysis is complete.”

Mistake 3: Confusing “Analysis” with “Analyze”

Analysis is a noun. Analyze is a verb. The plural of the verb is analyzes (he analyzes, they analyze). Do not mix these forms.

Wrong: “He analysis the data.”
Right: “He analyzes the data.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes you might want to avoid the plural analyses if you think your reader might find it confusing. Here are some alternatives and when they work best.

Use analyses when you want to be precise and technical. Use alternatives when you want to be more general or when your audience may not be familiar with the Greek plural pattern.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct form for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. The marketing team completed one _____ last week.
   a) analysis
   b) analyses
2. We compared the _____ from both regions.
   a) analysis
   b) analyses
3. Her _____ of the sales data was very detailed.
   a) analysis
   b) analyses
4. All three _____ showed the same trend.
   a) analysis
   b) analyses

Answers

1. a) analysis (singular, one)
2. b) analyses (plural, two regions)
3. a) analysis (singular, her one analysis)
4. b) analyses (plural, three)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “analyses” pronounced differently from “analysis”?

Yes. Analysis ends with a short “i” sound (like “sis”). Analyses ends with a long “e” sound (like “sees”). The difference is small but important for clear communication.

2. Can “analysis” ever be used as a plural?

No. Analysis is always singular. If you need a plural, you must use analyses. There is no exception to this rule.

3. What about “analyzation”? Is that a word?

Analyzation is not standard English. Use analysis instead. Some dictionaries list it as a rare or nonstandard form, but it is best avoided in business writing.

4. How do I remember the plural of analysis?

Think of other -sis words you already know. Crisis becomes crises. Thesis becomes theses. Hypothesis becomes hypotheses. Once you learn one, you learn them all.

Additional Notes for Business Writing

In business emails and reports, using the correct plural form of analysis shows attention to detail. Here are a few more tips:

• If you are unsure, rephrase the sentence to avoid the plural. For example, instead of “the analyses are complete,” you can say “the analysis work is complete.”
• When listing multiple analyses in a bullet point, use the plural form consistently.
• Proofread specifically for this word. It is easy to type “analysis” when you mean “analyses” or vice versa.

Mastering this small but important rule will make your business writing more precise and professional. For more help with similar patterns, explore our guides on Plural Spelling Rules and Confusing Plurals. If you have questions about other plural forms, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.