Meaning & use
studies
Last updated
“studies” is a form of “study”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
the work of learning about a subject, especially at a school, college, or university
Grammar: Used as a plural noun with a plural verb: 'Her studies are going well.'
Patterns
- someone's studies
- continue your studies
- focus on your studies
She moved abroad to continue her studies in biology.
His studies take up most of his evenings.
After finishing her studies, she found a job in a laboratory.
nounplural
a particular subject or program of learning at a college or university
Grammar: Often appears in names of programs, such as 'media studies' or 'business studies', and takes a singular verb when it names one program.
Patterns
- environmental studies
- media studies
- a degree in ... studies
He is taking a degree in environmental studies.
Media studies is a popular choice at this college.
She teaches women's studies at the university.
nounpluraltechnical
careful research into a subject, often published as a report
Grammar: Used for research done by scientists or experts; the singular 'study' refers to one piece of research.
Patterns
- studies show something
- studies of something
- carry out studies
Recent studies show that sleep affects memory.
The team carried out studies on water quality.
Several studies of the same problem reached different conclusions.
verbtransitive or intransitive
learns about a subject by reading, attending classes, or practicing
Grammar: Third person singular of the verb 'study'; takes an object when naming the subject: 'She studies law.'
Patterns
- studies something
- studies for something
- studies at a place
He studies medicine at a university in Boston.
She studies for two hours every night.
My brother studies hard before exams.
Word forms
| base form | study |
|---|---|
| past tense | studied |
| past participle | studied |
| -ing form | studying |
Common combinations
- continue your studies
- She plans to continue her studies after a year of work.
- pursue your studies
- He moved to Canada to pursue his studies.
- studies show
- Studies show that regular exercise improves mood.
- a field of study
- Linguistics is a fascinating field of study.
- study for an exam
- They are studying for an exam in the library.
Synonyms and how they differ
- research
- 'Research' is about discovering new facts, while 'studies' often means learning existing material or a program of courses.
- coursework
- 'Coursework' is the specific work done for a class, while 'studies' can mean the whole program or the activity of learning.
- education
- 'Education' is the broad process or system of teaching; 'studies' is narrower and refers to the subjects or work of learning.
Word family
- study noun
- the act of learning or one piece of research
- student noun
- a person who is studying at a school or college
- studious adjective
- spending a lot of time studying and working carefully
- studiously adverb
- in a careful, deliberate way
Commonly confused: studies or studios?
studies vs studios
'Studios' are rooms where art, music, or films are made; 'studies' is about learning or research.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'studies' correctly as a plural noun meaning schoolwork or a program of learning?
Choose one answer.
'His studies at the university are going well' uses 'studies' as a plural noun with the verb 'are'. The other options use 'studies' as a verb, and 'They studies' is incorrect because a plural subject takes 'study'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “studies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.