Research or Researches: Which is Correct? Simple English Explanations

Research or researches? Which one is correct?!

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about this on the web, as most people (including native English speakers) get this one wrong!

We can use “research” as a noun or verb. Researches can be the third person singular of the verb “research.” Researches can also be used as a plural noun for “research,” but it is rarely used.

Meaning of Research (Verb and Noun)

By definition, “research” (verb form) means to investigate or search carefully. It is typically related to studious inquiries or examinations.

Here are some examples with the verb “research”:

“He researched the history of the building.”
“She is researching how many people speak a particular language.”
“I need to research this.”
“We have been researching a new method.”
“They are researching different options for the company.”
“I researched every single product before I made my purchase.”
You should research the pros and cons before you make a decision.
“He is researching his family tree.”
She has been researching her options for college.

When used as a noun, the word “research” typically refers to the activity of investigating or examining a subject in-depth with the aim of discovering new facts or information.

It can also refer to the resulting product of this activity.

Here are some examples with the noun “research”:

“The scientists conducted research on the properties of a new material.”
“She published her first paper on the results of her research.”
If you want to write a paper on the dangers of smoking, you will need to do some research on the topic.
“The research was published in a leading journal.”
“They are funding market research.”
“This is a new area of research for me.”
“I need to do some research on this subject.”
“Can you please send me your latest research?”

Research or researches?

Research (singular noun)
Researches (plural noun)

In a nutshell, we use research as a singular noun and researches as a plural noun, but it is very rare to say the term researches.

It is preferred to say “pieces of research,” “research studies” or “research projects” when talking about more than one.

Researches can also be used as a verb for the third person singular in the simple present tense. For example, “he researches on the internet for his school project.”

Research (simple present tense):

I research,
you research,
he researches,
she researches,
it researches,
we research,
you research,
they research.

Research as a Noun

Research can be a countable and uncountable noun.

As a noun, “research” is usually used as uncountable. For example, we could say, “the research is able to determine the demand for health drinks.”

The plural countable noun researches is rarely used. It is used to distinguish between one or more sets of research.

For example, we could say “research conducted at Trinity College and University College Dublin” (we don’t know if this is a joint research project or a separate research project in both colleges).

Or we could say “researches conducted at Trinity College and University College Dublin” (separate research projects carried out at the colleges).

**Is it correct to say researches?**

As you can see from our examples, it is correct to say researches.

You must be warned, however, that while we can use researches as a plural countable noun, most English speakers have never heard this and may think this is incorrect.

Native English speakers prefer to say “some research,” “research studies,” or “research projects” rather than researches nowadays.

Researches as a term is seen as archaic and old-fashioned. Therefore, it is rarely, if ever used.

**Can we say a research?**

While “research” can be used as a countable and uncountable noun, it is never correct to say “a research.” However, we can say “a research student,” “much research,” or “some research.”

**To make research or to do research?**

We never say “make research.” Instead, you can say, “do research,” “conduct research,” “perform research,” or “carry out research.”

When do we say researches?

When using “research” as the verb, we often say researches.

It is much more common to use researches in the third person simple present (he/she/it).

For example, we could say, “he researches for his project in the library.”

Researches can also be used as a noun, as mentioned earlier.

**Alternative Ways to Say Researches (noun)**

His researches prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His research proves that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His research studies prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His research projects prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His pieces of research prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His findings prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.
His research results prove that the disease is a genetic disorder.

**How do you pronounce research?**

“Research” (verb form) is pronounced as ri-SERCH in American English but may vary across different accents.

“Research” (noun form) is pronounced as REE-serch in American English but may vary across different accents.

Therefore, you may choose to pronounce both the verb and the noun in the same way (REE-serch or ri-SERCH) without causing any confusion.

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In Conclusion

Those are the rules for the word research and researches. While researches is a correct word, it is seldom used as a plural noun.

“Research” is mostly used as an uncountable noun or verb.

If you are unsure whether to use research or researches, it is best to use “research” as the noun. This will avoid any confusion and misunderstanding.

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Caitriona Maria

Education writer at TPR Teaching | https://www.tprteaching.com

Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.