Is Syllabus Singular or Plural?
The word syllabus is singular. It refers to a single outline or summary of a course of study. The most common plural form in modern English is syllabuses, though the traditional Latin plural syllabi is also widely accepted. Your choice between the two often depends on the formality of the context.
Quick Answer
- Singular: syllabus
- Common Plural: syllabuses (preferred in everyday and academic writing)
- Traditional Plural: syllabi (common in formal academic settings)
- Incorrect: syllabuss, syllabuseses, syllabis
Understanding the Two Plural Forms
English has borrowed many words from Latin, and syllabus is one of them. This creates a natural confusion: should you follow English rules or Latin rules? The answer is that both are correct, but they carry different tones.
Syllabuses (English Plural)
This form follows the standard English rule of adding -es to words ending in -us. It is straightforward, clear, and increasingly common in university handbooks, course websites, and everyday conversation. If you are writing an email to a professor or a note to a classmate, syllabuses is a safe, natural choice.
Syllabi (Latin Plural)
This form keeps the original Latin plural ending. It is very common in formal academic writing, official university documents, and discussions among faculty. Using syllabi can sound more scholarly, but it may feel stiff in casual conversation. Some readers may consider it outdated, while others see it as a mark of precision.
Comparison Table: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi
| Feature | Syllabuses | Syllabi |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar origin | English | Latin |
| Formality level | Neutral to informal | Formal |
| Best for | Emails, conversation, student guides | Research papers, official policies, faculty meetings |
| Frequency in modern writing | Very common | Common but declining |
| Risk of sounding wrong | Low | Low, but can feel pretentious in casual use |
Natural Examples
Using “Syllabus” (Singular)
- Please check the course syllabus for the reading list.
- I lost my syllabus for Chemistry 101.
- Each instructor must submit a syllabus before the semester begins.
- Can you send me the syllabus for the workshop?
Using “Syllabuses” (English Plural)
- The department has updated all its syllabuses for next year.
- We compared the syllabuses from three different universities.
- Most professors now post their syllabuses online.
- I have five syllabuses to read this weekend.
Using “Syllabi” (Latin Plural)
- The faculty committee reviewed the syllabi for all graduate courses.
- These syllabi reflect the new accreditation standards.
- She collected syllabi from every instructor in the department.
- The conference focused on innovative syllabi design.
Common Mistakes
Even careful writers make errors with this word. Here are the most frequent ones to avoid.
Mistake 1: Adding an extra “s”
Incorrect: I have three syllabuss to review.
Correct: I have three syllabuses to review.
The singular already ends in -us. Do not add another -s without the -es ending.
Mistake 2: Using “syllabi” for a single item
Incorrect: This syllabi is for Biology 200.
Correct: This syllabus is for Biology 200.
Syllabi is always plural. If you mean one, use syllabus.
Mistake 3: Mixing singular and plural in the same sentence
Incorrect: The syllabi for this course is very long.
Correct: The syllabus for this course is very long. OR The syllabi for these courses are very long.
Make sure your verb matches your noun.
Mistake 4: Overusing “syllabi” in casual writing
Awkward: Hey, can you send me the syllabi for your class?
Natural: Hey, can you send me the syllabus for your class? (singular) OR Hey, can you send me the syllabuses for your classes? (plural)
In a friendly email, syllabuses sounds more natural than syllabi.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes you can avoid the confusion entirely by using a different word. Here are some alternatives depending on your context.
When to use “course outline”
This is a clear, neutral term that works in any situation. It is especially useful when you are speaking to someone who may not be familiar with academic jargon.
- Can you share the course outline for History 101?
- The course outline includes the grading rubric.
When to use “curriculum”
Be careful here. Curriculum refers to the overall content of a course or program, not the specific document. Use it when you mean the broader plan.
- The curriculum for the nursing program was redesigned last year.
- This syllabus is part of the new curriculum.
When to use “class schedule”
This is more limited. It refers only to dates and times, not the full course content. Use it when you are talking about deadlines and meeting times.
- The class schedule is on the first page of the syllabus.
- I need to check the class schedule for exam dates.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Understanding the tone of your writing will help you choose the right plural form.
Formal Writing (Research papers, official reports, university policies)
In these settings, syllabi is still the standard choice. Many academic journals and university style guides prefer it. If you are writing for a formal audience, using syllabi shows that you are familiar with academic conventions.
Example: The committee approved the syllabi for all new interdisciplinary courses.
Informal Writing (Emails, text messages, social media posts)
Here, syllabuses is the better choice. It sounds natural and avoids any hint of stiffness. Your reader will understand you immediately.
Example: I just got all my syllabuses for this semester. The workload looks heavy!
Conversation
In spoken English, syllabuses is more common. Most native speakers use it without thinking. Using syllabi in conversation can sound like you are trying to impress someone.
Example: “Did you get the syllabuses for your classes yet?” sounds natural. “Did you get the syllabi for your classes yet?” sounds slightly formal.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The professor handed out the (syllabus / syllabi) on the first day.
- All of the (syllabuses / syllabi) for the English department are due next Friday.
- I need to check the (syllabus / syllabi) for the exam schedule.
- These (syllabuses / syllabi) were written by different instructors.
Answers
- syllabus (singular, one item)
- syllabuses or syllabi (both are correct; syllabuses is more natural in this neutral context)
- syllabus (singular, one course)
- syllabuses or syllabi (both are correct; syllabi works well here if the context is formal)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “syllabi” ever wrong?
No. Syllabi is a standard plural form, especially in formal academic writing. It is not incorrect, but it may sound overly formal in casual conversation.
2. Can I use “syllabuses” in a university paper?
Yes. Many style guides now accept syllabuses as the preferred plural. Check your instructor’s preference or your institution’s style guide. If in doubt, syllabuses is always safe.
3. What is the plural of “curriculum”?
The plural of curriculum follows the same pattern. The English plural is curriculums, and the Latin plural is curricula. Curricula is more common in formal writing.
4. Why do some people insist on “syllabi”?
Some writers prefer Latin plurals because they believe they are more correct or scholarly. This is a matter of tradition and personal style. Both forms are grammatically acceptable.
Final Tip for Learners
When you are unsure, choose syllabuses. It is the safer, more modern choice that works in almost every situation. If you are writing a very formal document and you know your audience expects traditional Latin forms, use syllabi. The most important thing is to be consistent within the same piece of writing.
For more help with similar questions, explore our guides on Singular or Plural Checks and Common Plural Forms. If you have a specific question, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
