Analyse vs Examine

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

Analyse

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb

Examine

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
 AnalyseExamine
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈænəlaɪz/","/ˈænəlaɪzɪz/","/ˈænəlaɪzd/","/ˈænəlaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈænəlaɪz/","/ˈænəlaɪzɪz/","/ˈænəlaɪzd/","/ˈænəlaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo look closely at something to understand it better.to look at something carefully to learn more about it
ExampleThe job involves collecting and **analysing data**.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 speechverbverb
Collocationscarefully, critically, fully, attempt to, try to, be difficult tocarefully, 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…
Antonymssynthesize, ignoreignore, overlook, neglect
Common mistakesConfusing 'analyse' with 'analysis', which is a noun., Using incorrect spelling variations, especially in American English., Overusing the term in informal contexts where simpler words would work better.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 notesUse 'analyse' in academic or professional contexts. Avoid in casual conversation; 'analyze' is more commonly used in American English.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: Analyse vs Examine

What's the difference between Analyse and Examine?

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

Are Analyse and Examine the same CEFR level?

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

What part of speech are Analyse and Examine?

Analyse: verb, Examine: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Analyse: The job involves collecting and **analysing data**. Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.

Can I use Analyse and Examine interchangeably?

Not always. Analyse 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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