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Prepositions with nouns

Analysis with of and for

Analysis commonly takes of to show what is being studied. For analysis is possible in specific contexts, usually expressing purpose.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Analysis of is the normal pattern when naming the subject being examined. For analysis is used when something is intended to be analysed or sent for examination.

The analysis of the data took two weeks.
Samples were collected for analysis in the laboratory.
Her analysis of the novel was detailed.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
analysis of + subject

Naming what is examined

Analysis of is the standard structure for the topic, object, or data being studied.

The analysis of customer feedback revealed several problems.
His analysis of the painting was persuasive.
2
for analysis

Showing purpose or destination

For analysis means intended to be analysed or sent to someone for examination.

Blood samples were taken for analysis after the accident.
The files were uploaded for analysis by the research team.
3
analysis in + field/context

Referring to area or context

Analysis in is used when in introduces a field, discipline, or location.

Statistical methods are important in analysis in economics.
4
analysis of how/why + clause

Analysing processes or causes

Analysis of can be followed by clauses introduced by how, why, or what.

Their analysis of why the system failed was accurate.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
analysis of
The analysis of the survey is complete.
Standard pattern for the thing being examined.
for analysis
The technician sent the samples for analysis.
Expresses purpose or intended examination.
analysis for
The team prepared an analysis for the board meeting.
For introduces the audience or purpose, not the subject analysed.
of analysis
The cost of analysis has increased.
Of analysis is possible when analysis follows another noun, not as a fixed pattern after analysis itself.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for instead of of after analysis

Use analysis of to name the thing studied.

✕ an analysis for the market trends ✓ an analysis of the market trends

Treating for analysis as the subject of study

For analysis usually means intended for examination.

✕ The report included a for analysis of sales. ✓ The report included an analysis of sales.

Confusing analysis for with analysis of

Analysis for often indicates purpose or audience, not content.

✕ an analysis for the poem ✓ an analysis of the poem

Using of analysis as a fixed expression

Of analysis normally depends on another noun, such as method or cost.

✓ The results of analysis were published yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scientist completed an analysis ___ the samples.
2. The documents were sent ___ analysis.
3. We prepared an analysis ___ the client presentation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is analysis of the most common pattern?

Yes. It is the standard way to identify what is being examined or interpreted.

Can for analysis follow a noun?

Yes. It commonly follows nouns like samples, data, or documents that are intended for examination.

What does analysis for mean?

It usually refers to purpose or audience, as in an analysis for investors.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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