Studies vs. Study — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
"Studies" is the plural form of "study," denoting multiple instances or occasions of examination, while "study" refers to a single act of examining or a room dedicated to work and reading.
Difference Between Studies and Study
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Studies" and "study" primarily differ in their grammatical number. "Studies" is a plural noun, implying multiple instances or occasions of in-depth examination or research. On the other hand, "study" can be a singular noun, representing one instance of learning or a room for reading and work, or a verb, denoting the act of examining.
In academic contexts, "studies" often refer to multiple research projects or papers. For example, several "studies" might be cited to validate a specific point in scholarly writing. In contrast, a "study" could refer to one specific research project, paper, or a subject area, like "I have a study on climate change."
It's also common to use "studies" to denote formal learning in various fields, like "She completed her studies in physics." Here, "studies" encapsulates the entirety of a learning experience. Conversely, "study" can refer to an individual endeavor to understand a topic, "I will study physics tonight."
The word "study" has versatility, extending beyond academic contexts. It can be a verb, as in "I study art," and it can be a noun, referring to a room in one's home, as in "She went to her study to read." "Studies," however, is usually confined to academic or research contexts, and doesn't possess the room-related meaning.
In everyday language, both "studies" and "study" are common. "Studies" can refer to multiple investigations or analyses on a topic, like "Recent studies show the benefits of meditation." Whereas "study" can imply a singular focus, "A new study revealed the importance of sleep."
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Number
Plural.
Singular.
Common Context
Academic or research projects/papers.
One research project/paper or a room in a house.
Usage as a Verb
Cannot be used as a verb.
Can be used as a verb (e.g., to study).
Reference to Formal Learning
Denotes an entirety of a learning experience.
Refers to an individual endeavor to understand a topic
Versatility
Primarily academic or research contexts.
Both academic and everyday contexts.
Compare with Definitions
Studies
Formal learning experiences in specific fields.
She completed her studies in molecular biology.
Study
A detailed examination or analysis of a subject.
The study found that exercise improves mental health.
Studies
Collections of scholarly papers or writings.
The studies in this journal are groundbreaking.
Study
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading or practice.
He's going to study mathematics in college.
Studies
Multiple research projects or academic endeavors.
Several studies confirm the health benefits of a balanced diet.
Study
A room dedicated to reading, writing, or scholarly work.
She retired to her study to write her novel.
Studies
Systematic explorations on specific subjects.
The artist's studies focused on abstract expressions.
Study
The devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, especially by means of books
An application to continue full-time study
The study of English
Studies
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Study
A detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation
The study of global problems
A study of a sample of 5,000 children
Studies
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
Study
A room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work
The third bedroom was used as a study
Studies
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Study
A piece of work, especially a drawing, done for practice or as an experiment.
Studies
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Study
A thing or person that is an embodiment or good example of something
He perched on the edge of the bed, a study in confusion and misery
Studies
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Study
Devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books
I studied classics at college
Studies
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Study
Look at closely in order to observe or read
She bent her head to study the plans
Studies
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Study
Make an effort to achieve (a result) or take into account (a person or their wishes)
With no husband to study, housekeeping is mere play
Studies
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
Study
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Studies
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Study
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
Studies
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Study
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Studies
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Study
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Studies
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Study
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Studies
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
Study
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Studies
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Study
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Studies
To take (a course) at a school.
Study
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
Studies
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Study
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Studies
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Study
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Studies
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Study
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Studies
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Study
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Studies
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Study
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
Studies
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Study
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Studies
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Study
To take (a course) at a school.
Studies
To ponder; reflect.
Study
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Studies
(plural only) An academic field of study concerning the given subject.
My boyfriend is taking media studies.
Study
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Studies
Plural of study#Noun
Study
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Studies
Multiple investigations or analyses on various topics.
Recent studies suggest that meditation reduces stress.
Study
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Study
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Study
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Study
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Study
To ponder; reflect.
Study
To review materials already learned in order to make sure one does not forget them, usually in preparation for an examination.
Students are expected to start studying for final exams in March.
I need to study my biology notes.
Study
(academic) To take a course or courses on a subject.
I study medicine at the university.
Study
To acquire knowledge on a subject with the intention of applying it in practice.
Biologists study living things.
Study
To look at minutely.
He studied the map in preparation for the hike.
Study
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
Study
Mental effort to acquire knowledge or learning.
The study of languages is fascinating.
Study
The act of studying or examining; examination.
I made a careful study of his sister.
Study
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
Study
A room in a house intended for reading and writing; traditionally the private room of the male head of household.
Father spends all his time in the study poring over manuscripts.
Study
An artwork made in order to practise or demonstrate a subject or technique.
A study of heads or of hands for a figure picture
Study
The human face, bearing an expression which the observer finds amusingly typical of a particular emotion or state of mind.
Geoffrey's face was a study.
Geoffrey's face was a study in amazement [or in bewilderment, irritation, distress etc.]
Study
(music) A piece for special practice; an étude.
Study
(academic) An academic publication.
That new study on noncommutative symmetries looks promising.
Study
One who commits a theatrical part to memory.
Study
(chess) An endgame problem composed for artistic merit, where one side is to play for a win or for a draw.
Study
(obsolete) A state of mental perplexity or worried thought.
Study
(archaic) Thought, as directed to a specific purpose; one's concern.
My study was to avoid disturbing her.
Study
A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.
Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in study.
Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace.
Study
Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.
Just men they seemed, and all their study bentTo worship God aright, and know his works.
Study
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study.
The proper study of mankind is man.
Study
A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.
Study
A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture.
Study
A piece for special practice. See Etude.
Study
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
I found a moral first, and then studied for a fable.
Study
To apply the mind to books or learning.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
Study
To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages.
Study
To consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature.
Study thyself; what rank or what degreeThe wise Creator has ordained for thee.
Study
To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.
Study
To make an object of study; to aim at sedulously; to devote one's thoughts to; as, to study the welfare of others; to study variety in composition.
For their heart studieth destruction.
Study
A detailed critical inspection
Study
Applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading);
Mastering a second language requires a lot of work
No schools offer graduate study in interior design
Study
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Study
A state of deep mental absorption;
She is in a deep study
Study
A room used for reading and writing and studying;
He knocked lightly on the closed door of the study
Study
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Study
Preliminary drawing for later elaboration;
He made several studies before starting to paint
Study
Attentive consideration and meditation;
After much cogitation he rejected the offer
Study
Someone who memorizes quickly and easily (as the lines for a part in a play);
He is a quick study
Study
A composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique;
A study in spiccato bowing
Study
Consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning;
Analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare
Analyze the evidence in a criminal trial
Analyze your real motives
Study
Be a student; follow a course of study; be enrolled at an institute of learning
Study
Give careful consideration to;
Consider the possibility of moving
Study
Be a student of a certain subject;
She is reading for the bar exam
Study
Learn by reading books;
He is studying geology in his room
I have an exam next week; I must hit the books now
Study
Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes;
He is meditating in his study
Study
A piece of artwork made in preparation for a larger work.
The artist made a quick study before painting the mural.
Study
The process of applying the mind to acquire knowledge.
Regular study is essential for academic success.
Common Curiosities
Can "studies" refer to formal education?
Yes, "studies" can denote formal learning in various fields.
Can "study" refer to a room in a house?
Yes, a "study" can refer to a room dedicated to reading or work.
Is "studies" the plural form of "study"?
Yes, "studies" is the plural form of "study."
Does "studies" have a verb form?
No, "studies" cannot be used as a verb.
How is "study" used in academic contexts?
"Study" can refer to a singular research project, paper, or a subject area.
Is "studies" used in everyday language?
While "studies" can be used in everyday language, it's more commonly associated with academic or research contexts.
How can "study" be used as a verb?
"Study" can be used to denote the act of examining, e.g., "I study biology."
Can "studies" refer to multiple research papers?
Yes, "studies" often refer to multiple research projects or papers.
Which term, "studies" or "study", is more versatile?
"Study" is more versatile as it can be both a noun and a verb and can be used in various contexts.
Does "study" always refer to academic learning?
No, "study" can also refer to any focused effort to learn or understand something.
Which term is commonly used to refer to an entire learning experience?
"Studies" often denotes the entirety of a learning experience.
Can "study" refer to a singular investigation?
Yes, "study" can refer to a single, focused investigation or analysis.
How does "study" function grammatically?
"Study" can function as both a singular noun and a verb.
Can "study" refer to artwork?
Yes, a "study" can refer to a piece of artwork made in preparation for a larger work.
Are "studies" and "study" interchangeable?
No, the context determines the appropriate use of "studies" vs. "study."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
