- Have you ever wondered why “conducting an analysis” sounds more professional than “making an analysis”?
- Are you unsure which adjectives best describe the depth of your research or data?
- Do you want to stop translating from your native language and start using natural English word pairings?
Mastering Analysis Collocations is a vital step toward achieving native-level fluency in academic and professional English. Because “analysis” is a high-frequency noun in business and science, using it with the wrong verb or preposition can create “Language Anxiety” and hinder your clarity. By learning these natural pairings (collocations), you reduce cognitive load and ensure your writing meets the high standards of modern English communication.
Essential Collocations using ANALYSIS as a Noun
In English, “analysis” is primarily used as a noun. To use it correctly, you must pair it with the right “partner words.” Here is a breakdown of how to use it with adjectives, verbs, and prepositions.
1. Adjectives Used with Analysis (Describing the Type)
These adjectives help you specify the quality, depth, or method of the study.
- Detailed analysis: A study that looks at every small part.
Example: “The report provides a detailed analysis of the current market trends.” - In-depth analysis: A very thorough and comprehensive study.
Example: “We need an in-depth analysis before we invest any money.” - Preliminary analysis: An initial study done before the main work.
Example: “Based on our preliminary analysis, the project seems feasible.” - Statistical analysis: Using math and data to study something.
Example: “The statistical analysis proved that the new drug is effective.” - Critical analysis: An evaluation that looks at both strengths and weaknesses.
Example: “Students are required to write a critical analysis of the novel.”
2. Verbs Used with Analysis (The Action)
These verbs describe the act of performing or providing the study.
- Conduct an analysis: (Formal) To do an analysis.
Example: “The lab will conduct an analysis of the water samples.” - Perform an analysis: (Technical/Scientific) To carry out a specific test.
Example: “The software can perform a complex analysis in seconds.” - Provide an analysis: To give or present the results to someone.
Example: “The consultant will provide an analysis of our competitors.” - Undergo analysis: When something is being studied by others.
Example: “The data is currently undergoing analysis by our expert team.”
3. Analysis followed by a Verb (The Result)
Sometimes the “analysis” is the subject of the sentence, performing an action.
- Analysis shows/reveals: Used to introduce a discovery.
Example: “Our analysis reveals a significant drop in user engagement.” - Analysis suggests/indicates: Used when the results are not 100% certain but likely.
Example: “The analysis suggests that we should change our marketing strategy.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct an analysis | Verb + Noun | To do the work of analyzing something. |
| In-depth analysis | Adjective + Noun | A very thorough and detailed study. |
| Analysis of | Noun + Preposition | The subject being studied. |
| Further analysis | Adjective + Noun | More study needed in the future. |
| Comparative analysis | Adjective + Noun | Comparing two or more things. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learners often translate directly from their native language, leading to awkward phrasing. Use this table to correct your usage.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make an analysis | Conduct / Carry out / Perform an analysis |
| A deep analysis | An in-depth analysis |
| Analysis about the data | Analysis of the data |
| Give an analysis | Provide an analysis |
Contextual Story: The Quarterly Review
“After the team conducted an analysis of our annual sales, the results were surprising. The initial analysis suggested that our local market was saturated. However, once we performed a comparative analysis between our online and physical stores, the data revealed that our digital growth was actually accelerating. We have decided to provide a detailed analysis to the board of directors next week to secure more funding.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Analysis Collocations
Is it “analysis of” or “analysis on”?
The most common and natural preposition is “of” (e.g., an analysis of the results). You may occasionally see “analysis on” in specific technical contexts, but “of” is almost always the safer and more accurate choice for English learners.
What is the plural of analysis?
Because “analysis” comes from Greek, it has an irregular plural. One analysis, two analyses (pronounced an-al-uh-seez). Using “analysises” is a common error to avoid.
Can I say “do an analysis”?
While “do an analysis” is understood in casual conversation, it is considered “low-level” English. In academic or professional settings, you should always use conduct, carry out, or perform.
What is the difference between “analysis” and “analytics”?
Analysis refers to the process of studying one specific thing to understand it. Analytics usually refers to the systematic computational analysis of data or statistics, often used in business (e.g., Google Analytics).
Is “thorough analysis” the same as “detailed analysis”?
They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, “thorough” emphasizes that the process was careful and nothing was missed, while “detailed” emphasizes the amount of small information included in the final report.
The tip about reducing cognitive load is so true. When you know the word pairings, you don't have to think about grammar as much while speaking.
Is 'critical analysis' only for literature, or can I use it for a business strategy too?
You can definitely use it for business, Beatriz! A 'critical analysis' of a strategy means you are looking at both the strengths and the weaknesses in a very objective way.
This is very helpful for my TOEIC preparation. The distinction between 'making' and 'conducting' is a common test question.
Can we use 'analysis' as a verb too? Like 'I want to analysis this data'?
Good catch, Heidi! No, 'analysis' is only a noun. The verb form is 'analyze' (US) or 'analyse' (UK). So you would say: 'I want to analyze this data' OR 'I want to conduct an analysis of this data'.
I always wonder if 'data analysis' is considered a single compound noun or a collocation. Does it change how we use it?
Is it okay to say 'brief analysis' if the report is short?
Yes, Amira! 'Brief analysis' is a perfect collocation. Other options for a short study could be 'cursory analysis' (very quick and not detailed) or 'summary analysis'.
I love the part about 'Language Anxiety'. Using the wrong verb makes me feel so nervous in meetings. Practice makes perfect!
What about the verb 'carry out'? I see 'carry out an analysis' in many textbooks. Is that British English or American English?
Hi Chen! 'Carry out' is used in both US and UK English, though it is slightly more common in British academic writing. In the US, 'conduct' or 'perform' are slightly more frequent in business.
In French, we have 'analyse approfondie'. It’s nice to see that 'in-depth analysis' is the direct equivalent. It makes it easier to remember!
Absolutely, Jean-Pierre! Finding those direct equivalents between your native language and English can really help with memory retention. Just watch out for those 'false friends'!
I've heard the phrase 'comprehensive analysis' a lot lately. Does it carry more weight than 'detailed analysis'?