Analyze vs Examine

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Analyze

Top 2,000 (common)B1

Examine

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
 AnalyzeExamine
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //əˈnælaɪz//🇺🇸 //əˈnæl.aɪz//🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo look at something closely to understand it betterto look at something carefully to learn more about it
ExampleThe teacher asked us to analyze the poem's themes.The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsanalyze data, analyze results, analyze a problem, analyze trends, analyze informationcarefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…, carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…
Antonymsignore, overlookignore, overlook, neglect
Common mistakesConfused with 'analyses' in plural form., Using 'analyze' as a noun instead of 'analysis'., Mixing up 'analyze' with 'evaluate' or 'assess'.Confused with 'inspect' — 'examine' is broader than just checking for flaws., Misusing the tense — should use 'examined' for past actions, not 'examine'., Incorrect prepositions — do not say 'examine to' but 'examine for' in some contexts.
Usage notesUsed in academic and professional contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless relevant to the discussion.Use 'examine' in formal contexts like academic writing or professional discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations, where 'look at' might be preferred.

Frequently asked questions: Analyze vs Examine

What's the difference between Analyze and Examine?

Analyze: To look at something closely to understand it better Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it

Are Analyze and Examine the same CEFR level?

Analyze: B1, Examine: B1 on the CEFR scale.

Can I use Analyze and Examine interchangeably?

Not always. Analyze and Examine are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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