What’s the Plural of Syllabus? Syllabuses or Syllabi?

The English language can be a tricky one, and even native speakers sometimes get caught up in the rules and exceptions that make it unique. One such example is the plural of the word “syllabus.” You’ve probably come across the terms “syllabuses” and “syllabi” and wondered which one is correct. Is it “syllabuses” or “syllabi”? Or do they both have their place in English?

This article will break down these two forms, provide examples, and help you understand the usage of syllabus plural forms in different contexts.

Understanding the Plural Forms of “Syllabus”

Before diving into examples and explanations, let’s clarify the two options:

• Syllabuses: This form follows the typical English rule for making words plural by simply adding “es” to the end of the word. This is the most commonly used form in everyday speech and writing, especially in general contexts.
• Syllabi: This plural form follows Latin rules. Since “syllabus” is a Latin word, some people prefer to use the traditional Latin plural, which ends in “i.” This form is commonly used in more formal or academic settings, especially when discussing topics related to education.

Now, let’s explore each plural form in more depth and look at scenarios where one might be preferred over the other.

Syllabuses vs. Syllabi: When to Use Each

Scenario 1: Academic Email – Using “Syllabi”

Imagine you are a professor emailing your students about the upcoming semester. Since this is an academic setting, you’ll likely prefer to use the Latin plural form “syllabi.”

Subject: Upcoming Course Materials

Dear Students,

I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the start of the new semester, please review the attached syllabi for all of your courses. Each syllabus provides detailed information about assignments, exam dates, and required readings. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the course structure to ensure a successful semester.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.

Best regards,
Professor Williams

In this example, the use of “syllabi” fits the academic context, where Latin-based plurals are often preferred. It sounds more formal and is often used in educational environments.

Scenario 2: Office Memo – Using “Syllabuses”

Now, let’s imagine a scenario where an office manager is emailing a group of colleagues about training schedules. Since this is a more general, workplace environment, the term “syllabuses” might be more appropriate.

Subject: Training Schedule for New Hires

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share the syllabuses for our upcoming training sessions. Each syllabus outlines the topics we’ll cover, as well as key deadlines and resources. Please take some time to review the documents before the sessions begin next week.

If anyone has any questions or needs further information, don’t hesitate to ask.

Best,
Megan

In this example, the “syllabuses” form is more neutral and suitable for a workplace setting. It avoids the more formal tone that “syllabi” might carry, making it sound more conversational.

Scenario 3: Casual Conversation – Using “Syllabuses”

Suppose you’re chatting with a friend about the courses you’re taking and discussing the course outlines.

Friend: “Hey, how’s your semester going?” You: “It’s going well! I’ve already looked through the syllabuses for all my classes. Everything looks manageable so far.”

Here, the plural form “syllabuses” works because the conversation is casual, and there’s no need for formality.

Scenario 4: Formal Academic Paper – Using “Syllabi”

In an academic paper discussing the evolution of curriculum development, you might choose to use the more traditional “syllabi” to give the writing an academic tone.

For example: “In many universities, syllabi have evolved to include more digital components, allowing students to access course materials online. This shift has changed how information is presented and accessed in educational settings.”

In this case, “syllabi” adds a sense of authority and formality appropriate for academic writing.

Why Does “Syllabus” Have Two Plurals?

The question of syllabuses or syllabi stems from the origin of the word itself. “Syllabus” comes from Latin, where words ending in “-us” often form their plural by changing the ending to “-i.” This rule applies to many words in English that come from Latin, such as “cactus” (plural: “cacti”) and “focus” (plural: “foci”).

However, as English evolves and adopts more words from various languages, it also adapts these words according to its own rules. For example, “syllabuses” follows the standard English pluralization rule by simply adding “es” to the end of the word. Both forms have become widely accepted, but each is used in different contexts.

Syllabi vs Syllabus: A Quick Comparison Table

Here’s a table summarizing the differences and uses of “syllabi” vs. “syllabuses” to help you decide which one fits best in various scenarios:

Context	Plural Form	Example Sentence
Academic or formal writing	Syllabi	“The professor handed out the syllabi for all the courses in the department.”
General use or casual settings	Syllabuses	“I’ve read through the syllabuses for my new classes.”
Workplace or non-academic	Syllabuses	“The HR department distributed the syllabuses for the new employee orientation.”
Academic papers or articles	Syllabi	“Research shows that syllabi play an important role in setting expectations for students.”

Syllabus vs. Syllabi: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve explored some scenarios, you might still be wondering: Which plural form should I use?

• If you’re writing in a formal academic context or discussing education in a scholarly manner, “syllabi” is probably your best bet. This form conveys a more sophisticated, traditional tone and is widely accepted in the world of academia.
• On the other hand, if you’re writing in a more casual, non-academic context, “syllabuses” might be the better choice. It’s simpler and follows the standard English pluralization rule, making it easier for most readers to understand.

Final Thoughts on “Syllabuses” and “Syllabi”

To sum up, both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are correct, but their usage depends on the context and tone you’re aiming for. “Syllabi” tends to be favored in academic or formal settings, while “syllabuses” is more common in everyday conversation or non-academic writing.

Ultimately, the choice between syllabuses or syllabi isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about the situation, the audience, and the level of formality you want to convey. Whether you’re sending an email to a colleague, writing a research paper, or chatting with friends, being aware of both forms will help you communicate more effectively and sound more natural.

Remember: both syllabuses plural and syllabi plural are used regularly, but choosing the right one will depend on whether you’re aiming for a conversational tone or a more formal academic style.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can confidently navigate the debate of syllabi vs syllabus and always know which form to use.