What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commentary
Example
The commentator provided insightful commentary on the political debate. [commentary: noun]
Example
She is known for her witty and humorous commentary on social media. [commentary: adjective]
analysis
Example
The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the data to identify patterns. [analysis: noun]
Example
He analyzed the poem's structure and symbolism in his literary analysis. [analyzed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Analysis is more commonly used than commentary in academic, scientific, and research settings. Analysis is a versatile term that can be applied to various subjects and topics, while commentary is more commonly used in sports, news, and media contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commentary and analysis?
While commentary is often associated with a more informal and subjective tone, analysis is typically used in formal and academic contexts, requiring a more objective and systematic approach.