Curriculum Plural Form: Rule, Examples, and Mistakes
The plural of “curriculum” is most commonly curricula, following its Latin origin, but curriculums is also widely accepted in modern English. The choice between them depends on the context: curricula is preferred in formal academic writing, while curriculums is common in everyday professional and conversational settings. Both forms are grammatically correct, but using the wrong one can make your writing sound either overly stiff or too casual for the situation.
Quick Answer
Use curricula for formal academic papers, official university documents, and scholarly discussions. Use curriculums for emails, blog posts, casual conversations, and general business contexts. If you are unsure, curricula is the safer choice for most written work.
Understanding the Plural of Curriculum
“Curriculum” comes from Latin, where it is a neuter noun ending in “-um.” In Latin, the plural of such nouns is formed by changing “-um” to “-a.” This is why we have curricula, just like datum becomes data and memorandum becomes memoranda. However, English speakers have gradually adopted the regular English plural ending “-s” for many Latin loanwords, giving us curriculums.
Today, both forms are listed in major dictionaries, but they carry different stylistic weights. Understanding when to use each will help you sound natural and appropriate in any situation.
Comparison Table: Curricula vs. Curriculums
| Feature | Curricula | Curriculums |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Latin plural | English plural |
| Formality | Formal, academic | Neutral to informal |
| Common in | Research papers, university policies, textbooks | Emails, meetings, everyday writing |
| Tone | Scholarly, precise | Approachable, modern |
| Acceptance | Universally accepted | Widely accepted |
| Example sentence | “The university revised its curricula for all graduate programs.” | “We need to update our training curriculums for next quarter.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing how each plural form works in real contexts.
Formal / Academic Contexts (use curricula)
- “The department compared the curricula of ten leading business schools.”
- “Changes to the curricula must be approved by the faculty senate.”
- “This study analyzes how curricula in medical schools have evolved over the past decade.”
- “The accreditation board requires that all curricula include a capstone project.”
Informal / Professional Contexts (use curriculums)
- “We are redesigning our onboarding curriculums for new hires.”
- “Can you send me the training curriculums for the sales team?”
- “Different schools have different curriculums, so check before you apply.”
- “I have attached the updated curriculums for all three workshops.”
Mixed / Neutral Contexts
- “The conference will feature sessions on innovative curricula and teaching methods.” (formal event, but acceptable with either form)
- “Our curriculums are designed to meet industry standards.” (business context, natural with curriculums)
Common Mistakes
Even advanced English learners make errors with this word. Here are the most frequent ones.
Mistake 1: Using “curriculums” in formal academic writing
Incorrect: “The university’s curriculums were evaluated by an external committee.”
Correct: “The university’s curricula were evaluated by an external committee.”
Why: In formal academic writing, curricula is the expected form. Using curriculums here may make your writing seem less careful.
Mistake 2: Using “curricula” in casual conversation
Incorrect: “I need to compare the curricula of these two online courses before I sign up.”
Correct: “I need to compare the curriculums of these two online courses before I sign up.”
Why: In everyday speech, curriculums sounds more natural and less stiff. Using curricula can sound pretentious.
Mistake 3: Treating “curricula” as singular
Incorrect: “This curricula is very comprehensive.”
Correct: “This curriculum is very comprehensive.” or “These curricula are very comprehensive.”
Why: Curricula is already plural. Never use it with a singular verb or determiner.
Mistake 4: Overcorrecting to “curriculae”
Incorrect: “The school offers several different curriculae.”
Correct: “The school offers several different curricula.”
Why: Some learners mistakenly add an “-ae” ending, thinking it is more Latin. The correct Latin plural is curricula, not curriculae.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes you may want to avoid the plural of “curriculum” altogether. Here are some alternatives and when they work best.
| Alternative | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Course offerings | When referring to a list of available courses | “The university expanded its course offerings in engineering.” |
| Programs of study | In formal descriptions of academic tracks | “The department revised its programs of study for undergraduates.” |
| Syllabi | When referring to individual course outlines | “All syllabi must be submitted by the end of the week.” |
| Training plans | In corporate or professional development contexts | “We are updating our training plans for the new software.” |
| Educational content | When discussing materials rather than structure | “The educational content was aligned with industry standards.” |
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct form for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The committee reviewed all (curricula / curriculums) for the doctoral programs.
- Can you send me the training (curricula / curriculums) for next month?
- These (curricula / curriculums) are designed for adult learners.
- Our school’s (curricula / curriculums) have been praised by parents.
Answers
- curricula – Formal academic context.
- curriculums – Casual request in a professional setting.
- curricula or curriculums – Both are acceptable here; curricula is slightly more formal.
- curriculums – Natural in a parent-teacher context; curricula would also be correct but more formal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “curricula” always correct?
Yes, curricula is always grammatically correct and is the traditional plural. It is the safest choice for any formal or academic writing.
2. Can I use “curriculums” in a university paper?
It is generally not recommended. Most professors and academic journals expect curricula. If you are writing for a class, check your style guide or ask your instructor.
3. What about “curriculum” as an uncountable noun?
In some contexts, “curriculum” can be used uncountably, meaning “the overall course of study.” For example: “Curriculum development is a key part of our work.” Here, no plural is needed.
4. Is there a difference in meaning between “curricula” and “curriculums”?
No, the meaning is identical. The difference is purely stylistic and contextual. Curricula sounds more traditional and academic; curriculums sounds more modern and conversational.
Final Tips for Using the Plural of Curriculum
To summarize, here are three simple rules to follow:
- In academic writing: Always use curricula.
- In business emails and casual writing: Curriculums is fine and often sounds more natural.
- When in doubt: Use curricula for written work and curriculums for spoken English.
By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right form with confidence and avoid common mistakes that even native speakers sometimes make.
For more guidance on plural forms, explore our Plural Spelling Rules section. If you have questions about other confusing plurals, visit our Confusing Plurals category. For general inquiries, check our FAQ page.
