B1noun1K

Analysis

UK /["/əˈnæləsɪs/","/əˈnæləsiːz/"]/US /["/əˈnæləsɪs/","/əˈnæləsiːz/"]/

Definition

the detailed study or examination of something in order to understand more about it; the result of the study

In simple words: A careful study of something to understand it better.

Examples

  • The analysis of the data revealed some interesting trends.
  • In her report, she included a thorough analysis of the market.
  • Their analysis of the financial statement was very detailed.
  • He conducted an analysis to assess the effectiveness of the new policy.
  • The teacher asked for a critical analysis of the poem.
  • She used software for the analysis of statistical data.
  • The analysis included both qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • I had to write an analysis for my thesis that compares two theories.

Usage notes

Commonly used in academic and professional contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation unless referring to a specific analysis informally.

Grammar pattern

analysis + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'analyze' as 'breaking down' something; 'analysis' is the 'breakdown' itself.

Collocations

  • careful
  • close
  • comprehensive
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • do
  • indicate something
  • reveal something
  • show something
  • in an/​the analysis
  • in the final analysis
  • in the last analysis
  • careful
  • close
  • comprehensive
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • do
  • indicate something
  • reveal something
  • show something
  • in an/​the analysis
  • in the final analysis
  • in the last analysis

Synonyms

  • examination
  • investigation
  • study
  • review
  • evaluation

Antonyms

  • synthesis
  • ignorance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'analyze' - remember 'analysis' is the noun.
  • Using 'analyses' incorrectly in singular contexts.
  • Omitting 'of' when saying what the analysis is about.