Have you ever written a report, email, or article and paused over whether to spell it “analyzed” or “analysed”? This is a common dilemma for writers, students, and professionals around the world.
Both spellings are correct but which one you use depends on where you are and your audience. Choosing the wrong version can make your work seem less polished or even raise questions about your attention to detail.
People search for “analyzed or analysed” because English spelling can differ across countries, particularly between American and British English.
Understanding these differences is essential for clear communication, avoiding errors, and writing professionally. In this guide, we’ll provide a quick answer, explore the origins, highlight common mistakes, and give practical advice on which spelling to use in different contexts.
Whether you’re writing for school, work, or online content, this article will help you confidently choose the right form every time.
Analyzed or Analysed – Quick Answer
Quick Answer:
- Analyzed → American English spelling
- Analysed → British English (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Commonwealth countries)
Examples:
- US: “The data was carefully analyzed before publishing the report.”
- UK: “The data was carefully analysed before publishing the report.”
Key Point: Both mean exactly the same thing: to examine something in detail to understand it better.
The Origin of Analyzed/Analysed
The word analyze comes from the Greek “analusis”, meaning “a breaking up” or “a resolving into parts.” This is because analyzing involves breaking something into smaller parts to study it thoroughly.
- 16th Century: The word entered English as analyse, following the French spelling analyser.
- 19th Century: American English started adapting words, often changing the ending -ise to -ize, which became the standard in the United States.
- Today: Both spellings are correct depending on the regional convention.
British English vs American English Spelling
The main difference is the -ise vs -ize ending. In general:
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Verb ending | -ise | -ize |
| Examples | analysed, realised, organised | analyzed, realized, organized |
| Usage | UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Commonwealth countries | US |
Rule of Thumb:
- If writing for a US audience, use analyzed.
- If writing for a UK or Commonwealth audience, use analysed.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choosing the right spelling depends on your audience and location:
- United States: Always use analyzed.
- United Kingdom & Commonwealth countries: Use analysed.
- Global/Online: Consider your main readership. If unsure, pick one style and stay consistent throughout the document.
Pro Tip: Most professional and academic publications specify their preferred style in a style guide. Always check your target platform’s requirements.
Read More.Miss or Misses: Learn the Correct Usage Clearly Today
Common Mistakes with Analyzed/Analysed
Even native speakers make mistakes. Here are frequent errors:
| Mistake | Correct Form | Explanation |
| “We analysed the report.” (US audience) | “We analyzed the report.” | Use American spelling for US readers. |
| “The team analyzed the results.” (UK audience) | “The team analysed the results.” | Use British spelling for UK readers. |
| Switching between forms in one document | Keep one form consistent | Mixing forms looks unprofessional. |
| Using “analized” or “analiszed” | Avoid | Incorrect spellings; do not use. |
Analyzed/Analysed in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- US: “I have analyzed the project data and attached the summary.”
- UK: “I have analysed the project data and attached the summary.”
News Articles:
- US: “Experts analyzed the economic trends over the past decade.”
- UK: “Experts analysed the economic trends over the past decade.”
Social Media:
- US: “We analyzed the poll results and here’s what we found!”
- UK: “We analysed the poll results and here’s what we found!”
Formal Writing:
- Research papers, reports, and academic essays follow the regional spelling convention consistently.
Analyzed/Analysed – Google Trends & Usage Data
Based on Google Trends:
- Analyzed is most popular in the United States.
- Analysed dominates in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.
- Globally, analyzed is slightly more common because US-based content dominates online searches.
| Country | Preferred Spelling |
| United States | analyzed |
| United Kingdom | analysed |
| Australia | analysed |
| Canada | analysed |
| India | analysed (but US style is increasingly accepted) |
| Global Web Searches | analyzed |
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Keyword | British English | American English | Example Sentence |
| Analyze / Analyse | Analyse | Analyze | “We need to analyse this data.” |
| Analyzed / Analysed | Analysed | Analyzed | “The results were analysed yesterday.” |
| Analyzing / Analysing | Analysing | Analyzing | “She is analysing the feedback.” |
FAQs About Analyzed or Analysed
1. Is “analyzed” wrong in British English?
No, it is not wrong, but it is considered American spelling. UK publications prefer analysed.
2. Can I mix “analyzed” and “analysed” in one document?
No, consistency is key. Pick one style and use it throughout.
3. Why are there two spellings?
The difference comes from British vs American English conventions. American English often uses -ize endings.
4. Which is more common globally?
Analyzed is slightly more common globally because of the influence of American media and online content.
5. Is there a rule to remember?
Yes. -ise = British, -ize = American. Stay consistent based on your audience.
6. Does it change the meaning?
No, both analyzed and analysed mean exactly the same thing.
7. How about past tense?
The past tense follows the same rule: analyzed (US), analysed (UK).
Conclusion
The choice between analyzed and analysed comes down to your audience and location. Both spellings are correct and mean the same thing: to study or examine something carefully. American English prefers analyzed, while British English and Commonwealth countries prefer analysed.
Michael Swan is known for writing practical English usage guides.
His work helps learners avoid common spelling and grammar mistakes.
