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

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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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.

Oct 23, 2023

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."

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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."

Oct 23, 2023

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.

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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."

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Comparison Chart

Grammatical Number

Plural.

Singular.

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Common Context

Academic or research projects/papers.

One research project/paper or a room in a house.

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Usage as a Verb

Cannot be used as a verb.

Can be used as a verb (e.g., to study).

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Reference to Formal Learning

Denotes an entirety of a learning experience.

Refers to an individual endeavor to understand a topic

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Versatility

Primarily academic or research contexts.

Both academic and everyday contexts.

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Definitions

Studies

Formal learning experiences in specific fields.

She completed her studies in molecular biology.

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Study

A detailed examination or analysis of a subject.

The study found that exercise improves mental health.

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Studies

Collections of scholarly papers or writings.

The studies in this journal are groundbreaking.

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Study

The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading or practice.

He's going to study mathematics in college.

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Studies

Multiple research projects or academic endeavors.

Several studies confirm the health benefits of a balanced diet.

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Study

A room dedicated to reading, writing, or scholarly work.

She retired to her study to write her novel.

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Studies

Systematic explorations on specific subjects.

The artist's studies focused on abstract expressions.

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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

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Studies

The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research

The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.

Oct 31, 2018

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

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge

Applied himself to his studies.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work

The third bedroom was used as a study

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A branch of knowledge or department of learning

The study of geography.

Graduate studies.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A piece of work, especially a drawing, done for practice or as an experiment.

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Studies

Attentive examination or analysis

The new drug is still under study.

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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

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon

Conducted a study of children's reading habits.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books

I studied classics at college

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Studies

A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.

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Study

Look at closely in order to observe or read

She bent her head to study the plans

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Studies

A literary work treating a particular subject or character

The novel is a study of Irish childhood.

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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

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research

The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.

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Studies

(Medicine) A diagnostic test.

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Study

An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge

Applied himself to his studies.

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Studies

(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.

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Study

A branch of knowledge or department of learning

The study of geography.

Graduate studies.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A state of mental absorption

She is in a deep study.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Attentive examination or analysis

The new drug is still under study.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon

Conducted a study of children's reading habits.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

A noteworthy or interesting example

He is a study in contradictions.

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Study

A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).

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Study

A literary work treating a particular subject or character

The novel is a study of Irish childhood.

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Studies

To take (a course) at a school.

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Study

A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.

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Studies

To try to memorize

Studied the lines for her role in the play.

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Study

(Medicine) A diagnostic test.

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Studies

To perform a study of; investigate

We need to study the problem further.

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Study

(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.

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Studies

To read or look at carefully

Studied the map.

Studied his expression.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A state of mental absorption

She is in a deep study.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

To give careful thought to; contemplate

Let's study our next move.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.

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Studies

(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).

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Study

A noteworthy or interesting example

He is a study in contradictions.

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Studies

To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading

Studied for the exam.

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Study

To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).

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Studies

To pursue a course of study

Studied at Yale.

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Study

To take (a course) at a school.

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Studies

To ponder; reflect.

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Study

To try to memorize

Studied the lines for her role in the play.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

(plural only) An academic field of study concerning the given subject.

My boyfriend is taking media studies.

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Study

To perform a study of; investigate

We need to study the problem further.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

Plural of study#Noun

Oct 31, 2018

Study

To read or look at carefully

Studied the map.

Studied his expression.

Oct 31, 2018

Studies

Multiple investigations or analyses on various topics.

Recent studies suggest that meditation reduces stress.

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Study

To give careful thought to; contemplate

Let's study our next move.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).

Oct 31, 2018

Study

To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading

Studied for the exam.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

To pursue a course of study

Studied at Yale.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

To ponder; reflect.

Oct 31, 2018

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.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

(academic) To take a course or courses on a subject.

I study medicine at the university.

Oct 31, 2018

Study

To acquire knowledge on a subject with the intention of applying it in practice.

Biologists study living things.

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Study

To look at minutely.

He studied the map in preparation for the hike.

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Study

To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.

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Study

To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.

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Study

Mental effort to acquire knowledge or learning.

The study of languages is fascinating.

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Study

The act of studying or examining; examination.

I made a careful study of his sister.

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Study

Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.

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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.

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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

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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.]

Oct 31, 2018

Study

(music) A piece for special practice; an étude.

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Study

(academic) An academic publication.

That new study on noncommutative symmetries looks promising.

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Study

One who commits a theatrical part to memory.

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Study

(chess) An endgame problem composed for artistic merit, where one side is to play for a win or for a draw.

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Study

(obsolete) A state of mental perplexity or worried thought.

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Study

(archaic) Thought, as directed to a specific purpose; one's concern.

My study was to avoid disturbing her.

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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.

Oct 31, 2018

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.

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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.

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Study

A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.

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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.

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Study

A piece for special practice. See Etude.

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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.

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Study

To apply the mind to books or learning.

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Study

To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.

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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.

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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.

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Study

To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.

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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.

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Study

A detailed critical inspection

Oct 31, 2018

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

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;

This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A state of deep mental absorption;

She is in a deep study

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Study

A room used for reading and writing and studying;

He knocked lightly on the closed door of the study

Oct 31, 2018

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

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Preliminary drawing for later elaboration;

He made several studies before starting to paint

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Attentive consideration and meditation;

After much cogitation he rejected the offer

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Someone who memorizes quickly and easily (as the lines for a part in a play);

He is a quick study

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Study

A composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique;

A study in spiccato bowing

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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

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Be a student; follow a course of study; be enrolled at an institute of learning

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Give careful consideration to;

Consider the possibility of moving

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Be a student of a certain subject;

She is reading for the bar exam

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Learn by reading books;

He is studying geology in his room

I have an exam next week; I must hit the books now

Oct 31, 2018

Study

Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes;

He is meditating in his study

Oct 31, 2018

Study

A piece of artwork made in preparation for a larger work.

The artist made a quick study before painting the mural.

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Study

The process of applying the mind to acquire knowledge.

Regular study is essential for academic success.

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FAQs

Can "studies" refer to formal education?

Yes, "studies" can denote formal learning in various fields.

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Can "study" refer to a room in a house?

Yes, a "study" can refer to a room dedicated to reading or work.

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Is "studies" the plural form of "study"?

Yes, "studies" is the plural form of "study."

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Does "studies" have a verb form?

No, "studies" cannot be used as a verb.

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How is "study" used in academic contexts?

"Study" can refer to a singular research project, paper, or a subject area.

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Is "studies" used in everyday language?

While "studies" can be used in everyday language, it's more commonly associated with academic or research contexts.

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How can "study" be used as a verb?

"Study" can be used to denote the act of examining, e.g., "I study biology."

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Can "studies" refer to multiple research papers?

Yes, "studies" often refer to multiple research projects or papers.

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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.

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Does "study" always refer to academic learning?

No, "study" can also refer to any focused effort to learn or understand something.

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Which term is commonly used to refer to an entire learning experience?

"Studies" often denotes the entirety of a learning experience.

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Can "study" refer to a singular investigation?

Yes, "study" can refer to a single, focused investigation or analysis.

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How does "study" function grammatically?

"Study" can function as both a singular noun and a verb.

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Can "study" refer to artwork?

Yes, a "study" can refer to a piece of artwork made in preparation for a larger work.

Oct 23, 2023

Are "studies" and "study" interchangeable?

No, the context determines the appropriate use of "studies" vs. "study."

Oct 23, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba 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.