Study vs. Studying: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Study" is often a noun referring to the act or process of acquiring knowledge or skill, or it can be a verb meaning to engage in such a process. "Studying" is the present participle form of the verb "study," indicating ongoing activity.
Key Differences
"Study" can be both a noun and a verb in the English language, while "Studying" is specifically the present participle form of the verb "study."
When "Study" is used as a noun, it refers to a detailed investigation or analysis of a subject. "Studying," being a verb, can only denote the action of conducting such an investigation or analysis.
As a noun, "Study" can also signify a room designated for reading, writing, or academic work. "Studying," on the other hand, could be an activity conducted in a study room but can never refer to the room itself.
In grammar, "Study" as a verb can be used in various tenses to indicate a completed, ongoing, or future activity. "Studying" is used specifically to indicate an action in progress.
Both "Study" and "Studying" focus on the concept of gaining knowledge or understanding, but they differ in grammatical function and usage context.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb
Present Participle
Indicates Timing
Depends on tense
Ongoing activity
Refers to a Room
Yes, when a noun
No
Usage Context
Varied
Indicates action
Grammatical Tenses
Can appear in multiple
Limited to continuous
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Study and Studying Definitions
Study
Academic Activity
His study of physics was intensive.
Studying
Research in Progress
He is studying climate change effects.
Study
Investigative Analysis
The study concluded important findings.
Studying
Ongoing Learning
She is studying for her exams.
Study
Designated Room
He entered his study to read.
Studying
Analyzing Data
We are studying the survey results.
Study
Skill Acquisition
I'll study cooking techniques.
Studying
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Study
Examination
She will study the contract carefully.
Studying
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
Study
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Studying
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Study
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
Studying
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Study
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Studying
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Study
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Studying
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Study
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Studying
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Study
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Studying
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
Study
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Studying
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Study
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
Studying
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Study
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Studying
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Study
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Studying
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Study
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Studying
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
Study
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Studying
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Study
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
Studying
To take (a course) at a school.
Study
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Studying
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Study
To take (a course) at a school.
Studying
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Study
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Studying
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Study
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Studying
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Study
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Studying
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Study
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Studying
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Study
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Studying
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Study
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Studying
To ponder; reflect.
Study
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Studying
The action of the verb to study.
Study
To ponder; reflect.
Studying
Present participle of study
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.
Studying
Reading carefully with intent to remember
Study
(academic) To take a course or courses on a subject.
I study medicine at the university.
Studying
Skill Development
I'm studying how to play the piano.
Study
To acquire knowledge on a subject with the intention of applying it in practice.
Biologists study living things.
Studying
Reading Carefully
She is studying the fine print of the contract.
Study
To look at minutely.
He studied the map in preparation for the hike.
Study
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
Study
Mental effort to acquire knowledge or learning.
The study of languages is fascinating.
Study
The act of studying or examining; examination.
I made a careful study of his sister.
Study
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
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.
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
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.]
Study
(music) A piece for special practice; an étude.
Study
(academic) An academic publication.
That new study on noncommutative symmetries looks promising.
Study
One who commits a theatrical part to memory.
Study
(chess) An endgame problem composed for artistic merit, where one side is to play for a win or for a draw.
Study
(obsolete) A state of mental perplexity or worried thought.
Study
(archaic) Thought, as directed to a specific purpose; one's concern.
My study was to avoid disturbing her.
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.
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.
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.
Study
A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.
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.
Study
A piece for special practice. See Etude.
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.
Study
To apply the mind to books or learning.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
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.
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.
Study
To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.
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.
Study
A detailed critical inspection
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
Study
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Study
A state of deep mental absorption;
She is in a deep study
Study
A room used for reading and writing and studying;
He knocked lightly on the closed door of the study
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
Study
Preliminary drawing for later elaboration;
He made several studies before starting to paint
Study
Attentive consideration and meditation;
After much cogitation he rejected the offer
Study
Someone who memorizes quickly and easily (as the lines for a part in a play);
He is a quick study
Study
A composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique;
A study in spiccato bowing
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
Study
Be a student; follow a course of study; be enrolled at an institute of learning
Study
Give careful consideration to;
Consider the possibility of moving
Study
Be a student of a certain subject;
She is reading for the bar exam
Study
Learn by reading books;
He is studying geology in his room
I have an exam next week; I must hit the books now
Study
Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes;
He is meditating in his study
FAQs
What is Study?
"Study" can be both a noun and a verb, referring to the act or process of acquiring knowledge.
Can Studying refer to a room?
No, "studying" can never refer to a room.
Can Study be a place?
Yes, "study" can refer to a room designated for academic or intellectual work.
How does Study function in a sentence?
"Study" can function as both subject and object, depending on its usage.
Can Study indicate an ongoing action?
When used as a verb, it can, depending on the tense.
How does Studying function in a sentence?
"Studying" usually serves as a verb indicating ongoing action.
Can you give me an example of Studying in a sentence?
"He is studying for his final exams."
What's the main use of Studying?
To indicate the ongoing act of learning.
What is Studying?
"Studying" is the present participle of "study," indicating ongoing activity.
Can Studying indicate a completed action?
No, it indicates ongoing activity.
Is Study a noun?
Yes, "study" can function as a noun.
Is Studying a noun?
No, "studying" is a present participle.
Which word is more versatile, Study or Studying?
"Study" is more versatile as it can be both a noun and a verb, while "studying" is limited to being a present participle.
What's the main use of Study?
To refer to the act of learning or a room for that purpose.
Can you give me an example of Study as a noun?
"His study of history led him to many discoveries."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
