study

To spend time learning about something or preparing for a test.

• I study every evening.
• She studied her notes before the test.
• Where do you usually study?

How to use it: study for something (I need to study for tomorrow’s test.)

Similar words: learn, revise

Common phrases: study for exams, study English, study hard

To take lessons or courses in a subject at a school, college, or university.

• I study history at college.
• She studied law in Madrid.
• What do you want to study at university?

How to use it: study something at somewhere (He studies engineering at a university in Berlin.)

Common phrases: study medicine, study at university, study law

To examine something carefully to learn how it works or how to use that knowledge.

• Scientists study how plants grow.
• The team studied the effects of pollution.
• We are studying better ways to store energy.

Similar words: investigate, examine, research

Common phrases: study animal behaviour, study the effects, study a problem

A careful investigation of a subject, often followed by a written report.

• The study took two years.
• Several studies show that exercise improves sleep.
• Who carried out the study on water quality?

How to use it: a study of something (They carried out a study of children’s eating habits.); a study on something (A study on sleep found that regular bedtimes help.)

Similar words: investigation, research project

Common phrases: conduct a study, recent study, study of something

A written work presenting detailed research or discussion of a subject.

• I read her latest study.
• His study of Roman roads was published last year.
• The article cites three studies on language change.

How to use it: a study of something (Her latest book is a study of medieval trade.); a study on something (I read a study on changes in coastal towns.)

Similar words: paper, monograph

Common phrases: publish a study, scholarly study, study on something

A room in a home used for reading, writing, or working.

• Dad is in his study.
• She turned the spare bedroom into a study.
• The house has a small study overlooking the garden.

Similar words: home office

Common phrases: in the study, private study, study door