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

When you’re in school or university, you might encounter various grammar challenges. One common question that often arises is: What’s the plural of syllabus? syllabuses or syllabi? It’s not just about memorizing rules—understanding the origins, usage, and proper contexts for each version can improve your grasp of English. Let’s break it down in detail and explore the topic through different scenarios and examples.

Understanding the Term “Syllabus”

Before we dive into the plural form, let’s revisit the word “syllabus.” The term refers to a document that outlines the structure, objectives, and content of an academic course. In essence, it acts as a roadmap for both instructors and students, ensuring everyone knows what’s expected.

The Plural Forms: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi

Syllabuses and syllabi both serve as the plural form of “syllabus,” but their usage differs based on context, region, and personal preference. Let’s explore both:

• Syllabuses: This plural form is more straightforward and follows the standard English rule of adding -es to form plurals of words ending in -us (e.g., focus → focuses). It’s commonly used in everyday English, especially in non-academic settings.
• Syllabi: This plural form comes from Latin, as “syllabus” itself originates from the Latin word syllabus, meaning “list” or “table.” In Latin, the plural of syllabus is syllabi. This form is more common in formal or academic writing, especially in scholarly contexts.

Scenario 1: Informal Email – Using “Syllabuses”

Let’s say you’re corresponding with a colleague in a less formal context, discussing several course outlines. In this case, you might use syllabuses to maintain a straightforward tone.

Subject: Course Outlines for the Next Semester

Hi Jessica,

I’ve just finished compiling all the syllabuses for next semester’s courses. There are some changes in the reading lists and project deadlines that we should discuss. Let me know if you’d like me to send them over to you.

Best,
Tom

Here, syllabuses is the appropriate choice since the tone is casual, and the focus is on simplicity. The word fits well into everyday usage.

Scenario 2: Formal Email – Using “Syllabi”

Now, imagine you’re writing a formal email to a professor, discussing the structure of multiple academic courses. You would likely prefer syllabi here, as it aligns with the more academic tone of the communication.

Subject: Review of Syllabi for the Upcoming Academic Year

Dear Professor Williams,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve reviewed the syllabi for the upcoming academic year and noticed some areas where we might align the course objectives more closely with the department’s goals. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Sincerely,
Emily Harris
Academic Coordinator

In this scenario, syllabi is the preferred choice because it matches the formal tone of academic communication.

Syllabuses or Syllabi in Different English Variants

The choice between syllabuses and syllabi can also depend on your location. For instance:

• In American English, syllabuses tends to be the more common plural, though syllabi is still widely used, particularly in academic settings.
• In British English, syllabi is often preferred, reflecting a more classical approach to Latin-based words.

The Oxford English Dictionary’s View

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), both syllabuses and syllabi are correct. However, syllabi is listed as the primary plural form, particularly in academic contexts. That said, syllabuses is not incorrect and can be used as a more modern, Anglicized version.

Pronunciation: Syllabi vs. Syllabuses

Another point to consider is the pronunciation of these plural forms. Here’s how they differ:

• Syllabi is typically pronounced as /ˈsɪl.ə.baɪ/ (SIL-uh-bye), which maintains the Latin influence.
• Syllabuses is pronounced as /ˈsɪl.ə.bəsɪz/ (SIL-uh-bus-iz), which is more straightforward and Anglicized.

Other Plurals You Might Encounter

While we’re on the topic of plurals, let’s quickly explore a few other tricky English plural forms:

• Focus → Focuses
• Barrack → Barracks
• Analysis → Analyses
• Criterion → Criteria
• Deer → Deer (no change)
• Sheep → Sheep (no change)

These examples highlight how English sometimes retains irregular plural forms (e.g., deer, sheep) and uses standard rules for others (e.g., focus → focuses).

Quick Recap of Key Points

1. Syllabuses and syllabi are both plural forms of syllabus.
2. Syllabuses is more common in general usage and modern contexts.
3. Syllabi is preferred in academic or formal writing due to its Latin roots.
4. The Oxford English Dictionary accepts both forms but lists syllabi as the primary option.
5. Syllabuses tends to sound more casual and is used widely in everyday language.
6. Syllabi maintains a more scholarly and traditional tone.
7. In British English, syllabi is generally favored.
8. In American English, both syllabi and syllabuses are accepted, though syllabuses is more common.
9. Understanding the plural form of syllabus can help you sound more polished in different contexts.
10. Pronunciation varies between the two: syllabi (/ˈsɪl.ə.baɪ/) vs. syllabuses (/ˈsɪl.ə.bəsɪz/).

Fun Fact About Plurals in English

In addition to syllabus, many words borrowed from Latin and Greek follow different rules for their plurals. For example:

• Crisis → Crises
• Thesis → Theses
• Appendix → Appendices

While these may seem odd, they follow regular patterns in classical languages, and understanding them will give you a better grasp of formal writing.

A Few More Examples: How To Use the Plural Forms Correctly

Here’s how you might use syllabuses and syllabi in different contexts:

1. When writing about course outlines to a friend: “I just got the updated syllabuses for all my classes. There are some new projects this semester!”
2. When discussing academic documents in a formal context: “The committee reviewed the syllabi and suggested some changes to the grading criteria.”

20 Key Points About the Plural of Syllabus

1. Syllabuses and syllabi are both correct plural forms of syllabus.
2. Syllabi is derived from Latin, making it more formal and academic.
3. Syllabuses is more common in everyday language.
4. The Oxford English Dictionary accepts both forms but lists syllabi first.
5. Syllabuses is more popular in American English.
6. Syllabi is often preferred in British English.
7. You should use syllabi when discussing academic courses in formal writing.
8. Syllabuses can be used when talking about courses informally with colleagues or friends.
9. Syllabi maintains the Latin plural tradition.
10. Syllabuses is easier to pronounce for many English speakers.
11. The pronunciation of syllabi (/ˈsɪl.ə.baɪ/) reflects its Latin origins.
12. The pronunciation of syllabuses (/ˈsɪl.ə.bəsɪz/) is more straightforward.
13. Latin words ending in -us often follow this pluralization pattern, e.g., focus → focuses.
14. The choice between syllabuses and syllabi depends on the context and tone.
15. Syllabuses is a more modern and Anglicized plural.
16. Syllabi is the more traditional form, ideal for academic writing.
17. When in doubt, syllabuses is safe for most audiences.
18. Both plurals are widely accepted in professional environments.
19. Keep in mind the intended audience when deciding which plural to use.
20. Understanding syllabuses and syllabi can improve your writing and communication skills.

By using these tips, you’ll be able to confidently navigate between syllabuses and syllabi depending on the situation. Whether you’re writing an email to a colleague or a formal research paper, choosing the right plural form will help you sound more polished and precise.

Final Thoughts: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

Ultimately, whether you use syllabuses or syllabi comes down to context. For more casual situations or when you want simplicity, syllabuses is perfectly fine. However, in academic writing or formal communication, syllabi might be the more appropriate choice due to its Latin roots.