Syllabus Plural Form: Rule, Examples, and Mistakes
The plural of syllabus is most commonly syllabuses in standard English, though syllabi is also widely accepted, especially in academic or formal writing. Both forms are correct, but they carry different tones and are used in different contexts. This guide explains the rule, gives practical examples, highlights common mistakes, and helps you choose the right form for your writing.
Quick Answer: Syllabuses or Syllabi?
Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct plural forms of syllabus. The choice depends on context:
- Syllabuses – The regular English plural. Best for everyday conversation, emails, and general writing.
- Syllabi – The Latin-derived plural. Common in academic, formal, or institutional contexts, such as university documents or scholarly articles.
If you are unsure, syllabuses is the safer, more natural choice for most situations.
Why Are There Two Plurals?
The word syllabus comes from Latin, and English has kept both the regular English plural (adding -es) and the original Latin plural (changing -us to -i). This is similar to words like cactus (cactuses or cacti) and focus (focuses or foci). Over time, the regular English form has become more common in everyday use, while the Latin form remains in academic and formal settings.
Comparison Table: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi
| Plural Form | Tone | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syllabuses | Neutral, conversational | Emails, casual conversation, general writing | “Please check the syllabuses for your courses.” |
| Syllabi | Formal, academic | University documents, research papers, official announcements | “The department updated all course syllabi.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing both forms in real contexts:
Using Syllabuses (Everyday English)
- “I need to review the syllabuses for my three classes before the semester starts.”
- “The teacher handed out the syllabuses on the first day.”
- “Can you send me the syllabuses for the workshops?”
Using Syllabi (Formal or Academic)
- “All course syllabi must be submitted to the dean by Friday.”
- “The committee reviewed the syllabi for consistency across departments.”
- “The university archives contain syllabi from the past decade.”
Common Mistakes
Even native speakers sometimes make errors with this word. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Using Syllabi in Casual Conversation
While not wrong, using syllabi in an email to a friend or in a casual chat can sound overly formal or pretentious. For example:
Awkward: “Hey, can you share the syllabi for the history class?”
Natural: “Hey, can you share the syllabuses for the history class?”
Mistake 2: Using Syllabuses in Very Formal Academic Writing
In a research paper or official university policy, syllabi is often preferred. For example:
Less appropriate: “The syllabuses were analyzed for learning outcomes.”
More appropriate: “The syllabi were analyzed for learning outcomes.”
Mistake 3: Incorrect Spelling
Some people mistakenly write syllabii or syllabusses. These are not correct. Stick to syllabuses or syllabi.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
If you are unsure which form to use, consider these alternatives that avoid the issue entirely:
- Course outlines – A clear, neutral term for any context. Example: “Please review the course outlines before the first class.”
- Class plans – Informal but widely understood. Example: “The class plans are available online.”
- Curriculum guides – More formal, suitable for official documents. Example: “The curriculum guides were updated last year.”
Use these alternatives when you want to avoid confusion or when the word syllabus itself might not be familiar to your audience.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Understanding the tone of each form helps you choose correctly:
- Informal (emails, conversations, social media): Use syllabuses. It sounds natural and avoids sounding stiff. Example: “I’ve attached the syllabuses for the summer courses.”
- Formal (academic papers, official announcements, university websites): Use syllabi. It matches the academic tone. Example: “All syllabi must include a statement on academic integrity.”
Nuance and Context
In some fields, syllabi is the default because it signals familiarity with academic conventions. For example, in a graduate seminar or a faculty meeting, using syllabi shows you are part of the academic community. In contrast, in a high school or community college setting, syllabuses is more common and less intimidating.
If you are writing for an international audience, syllabuses is often clearer because it follows standard English plural rules. Non-native speakers may not be familiar with the Latin plural.
Mini Practice: Test Your Knowledge
Choose the correct plural form for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The professor asked us to review the (syllabuses / syllabi) for next week.
- All course (syllabuses / syllabi) must be submitted to the registrar by Friday.
- I need to compare the (syllabuses / syllabi) for the two online classes.
- The department head approved the new (syllabuses / syllabi) for the graduate program.
Answers:
- Syllabuses – This is a casual request from a professor to students. Syllabuses sounds natural.
- Syllabi – This is a formal requirement from a registrar. Syllabi fits the official tone.
- Syllabuses – This is a personal task. Syllabuses is straightforward.
- Syllabi – This is an official approval in an academic setting. Syllabi is appropriate.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Plural of Syllabus
1. Is syllabi always correct?
Yes, syllabi is correct, especially in formal or academic contexts. However, it may sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Use it when you want to match an academic tone.
2. Can I use syllabuses in a university paper?
It depends on the style guide. Many modern style guides accept syllabuses as standard. If your professor or publisher prefers syllabi, follow that preference. When in doubt, check the style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) or ask your instructor.
3. What is the singular of syllabi?
The singular is syllabus. Syllabi is only the plural form. Do not use syllabi to refer to one document.
4. Are there other words like syllabus with two plurals?
Yes. Common examples include cactus (cactuses/cacti), focus (focuses/foci), fungus (funguses/fungi), and radius (radiuses/radii). The same rule applies: the regular English plural is fine for most situations, while the Latin plural is more formal.
Final Tip for Real Writing
When you write an email, a report, or a conversation, think about your audience. If you are speaking to colleagues or friends, use syllabuses. If you are writing for an academic journal or a university committee, use syllabi. And if you are ever unsure, the phrase course outlines works perfectly in any context. For more help with plural forms, explore our guides on Plural Spelling Rules or check Confusing Plurals for similar words. If you have questions, visit our FAQ or contact us.
