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

The question of whether the plural of syllabus is syllabuses or syllabi can leave many English learners and even native speakers scratching their heads. Both are accepted, but understanding why and when to use each is key to sounding more fluent and natural. In this article, we will explore the two plural forms of syllabus, provide examples in different contexts, and explain the underlying rules of English pluralization versus Latin pluralization.

Understanding the Word “Syllabus”

The word syllabus comes from Latin roots. In Latin, syllabus originally meant “a list” or “a collection,” and in the academic world, it has come to refer to the course outline, which typically includes the learning objectives, required readings, course schedule, and grading policies. The word itself ends with the suffix -us, which is common in Latin nouns. This ending raises the question: What’s the best way to form its plural in English? Should it be syllabuses or syllabi?

The Plural of Syllabus: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

Syllabuses: The English Plural

Syllabuses is the more commonly used plural form in modern English. This version follows the rules of English pluralization, which tend to add -es to words that end in -us. For example, words like radius become radiuses, and focus becomes focuses in English.

Example: Email to Students

Subject: Updated Course Syllabuses Now Available

Dear Emily,

I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to let you know that the syllabuses for all your courses this semester are now available on the portal. Make sure you take a look at them to familiarize yourself with the course materials and course outline for each class. You’ll also find important information such as the learning objectives, required readings, and course schedule.

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

Best regards,
Professor David Wright

In this informal email, syllabuses is the most natural choice. It’s straightforward, easy to understand, and fits well in a more conversational setting, such as communication between professors and students. Most educational institutions in English-speaking countries also use syllabuses in their websites, course catalogs, and student-facing documents.

Syllabi: The Latin Plural

Syllabi is the Latin pluralization form of syllabus, derived from the rules of Latin grammar. In Latin, nouns that end in -us often form their plural by changing -us to -i. This is the case for words like focus (plural foci), cactus (plural cacti), and nucleus (plural nuclei). Thus, syllabi follows this pattern, making it the more scholarly or traditional plural form.

Example: Academic Paper

Title: Analyzing the Evolution of University Syllabi

The syllabi across different universities reveal interesting trends in how course structures have evolved over the past century. In the humanities, for example, syllabi tend to focus heavily on required readings and classroom discussions. The syllabi from the engineering departments, however, prioritize practical course materials and technical assignments. This contrast highlights the different teaching philosophies and academic integrity guidelines in various fields.

When discussing course structures in an academic setting, syllabi is often preferred to maintain a formal tone. Scholars and researchers who are writing about educational trends or conducting analyses of course outlines may use this form to adhere to a more traditional, formal language style.

English vs Latin Pluralization: Why the Difference?

The use of syllabuses vs syllabi brings attention to the broader issue of English vs Latin pluralization. While Latin follows specific grammatical rules for pluralizing words that end in -us, English has adapted many of these words to its own more simplified rules. English often favors -es for pluralization, particularly when the word is borrowed from Latin but is no longer strictly part of the Latin grammatical system.

For example, English speakers typically pluralize words like cactus and focus by adding -es (i.e., cactuses and focuses), but Latin speakers would traditionally use cacti and foci. Similarly, syllabus can follow either rule, but syllabuses is generally easier for English speakers to understand and more widely accepted in less formal contexts.

Misunderstood Latin: A Case of Language Evolution

The shift from syllabi to syllabuses is not the only case where misunderstood Latin affects modern English usage. Many words ending in -us in Latin have been anglicized over time, leading to the use of the more familiar English plural forms. In fact, even Cicero’s letters and other classical Latin texts often featured multiple variations in the way words were pluralized, depending on the writer’s background or preference.

Syllabuses vs Syllabi: Which One Should You Use?

Both forms are correct, but the choice depends on context and audience. Syllabuses is more widely used and more natural in casual conversations, emails, or informal educational contexts. On the other hand, syllabi is often reserved for formal academic discussions or scholarly writing.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Syllabuses and Syllabi

1. Formality: Use syllabi for academic papers, presentations, and formal contexts.
2. Context: Use syllabuses in casual, everyday communication with students, faculty, and staff.
3. Audience: Consider whether your audience expects formal academic language or is more comfortable with everyday English.

Table of Latin Noun Plurals for Comparison

To further clarify how English vs Latin pluralization works with other common nouns that end in -us, here’s a table comparing their singular and plural forms in both Latin and English:

Singular	Plural (Latin)	Plural (English)
Syllabus	Syllabi	Syllabuses
Focus	Foci	Focuses
Cactus	Cacti	Cactuses
Nucleus	Nuclei	Nucleuses
Radius	Radii	Radiuses

This table illustrates the variation between Latin and English pluralization patterns, showing how the language adapts based on context and ease of use. While syllabi follows the traditional Latin pattern, syllabuses aligns with the simpler, more direct pluralization rules of English.

FAQ’s

What is the plural of syllabus?

The plural of syllabus can be either syllabuses or syllabi, with both forms being accepted.

Which plural form is more commonly used?

Syllabuses is more commonly used in everyday English, while syllabi is favored in academic contexts.

When should I use “syllabi” instead of “syllabuses”?

Use syllabi in formal, academic writing or scholarly discussions for a traditional tone.

Are both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” grammatically correct?

Yes, both forms are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on context and formality.

Why does “syllabus” end in “-us” and have two plural forms?

Syllabus has Latin roots, and English adapts Latin plural rules, creating syllabi and the simplified syllabuses.

Can I use “syllabi” in an email to students?

It’s better to use syllabuses in casual emails to students, as it’s more widely accepted in informal communication.

Conclusion

The plural of syllabus can be either syllabuses or syllabi, and both are acceptable in different contexts. Syllabuses is the more common and accessible form for most everyday English usage, while syllabi tends to be used in more formal or academic settings. Understanding the distinction between English vs Latin pluralization and how Latin roots influence modern usage can help you make an informed choice depending on your audience and the tone of your communication.

Whether you’re preparing a course outline for your students, writing an academic paper on course materials, or discussing the grading policies for your class, being aware of the different plural forms of syllabus allows you to adapt your language appropriately. Ultimately, both syllabuses and syllabi are grammatically correct, but the context in which you use them will shape your communication style.