Appendices or Appendixes? Clarifying Usage

When it comes to using the words Appendices or Appendixes, there’s often some confusion. Do they mean the same thing? Is one more correct than the other? And what’s the right plural form for appendix? In this article, we’ll clarify the difference between these terms and explain when to use each. We’ll also give examples and scenarios to make the meaning crystal clear.

What do Appendices or Appendixes Mean?

The words Appendices or Appendixes are both plural forms of the noun appendix. But depending on the context, one might be more common than the other. Generally, appendices is used in books and documents to refer to extra sections that add information or data. For example, you might find appendices in research papers or textbooks to provide additional data or explanations that support the main content.

Appendixes, on the other hand, is often preferred in anatomy. In this context, it refers to multiple instances of the appendix, which is a small organ located in the human body. To better understand these terms, let’s break down their meanings.

1. Appendices Meaning in Books or Documents: In academic and professional writing, appendices serve as supplementary material. They can include charts, graphs, detailed explanations, or other supporting data that would clutter the main body of the work. Think of them as an extension of the main content. For example, in a research paper, you might have several appendices containing survey results or additional resources for further reading.
2. Appendixes Meaning in Anatomy: In medical and biological contexts, appendixes refers to the plural of the anatomical structure called the appendix. This organ, often discussed in relation to digestive health, is found in humans and some animals. For instance, a doctor might refer to appendixes when discussing a surgical procedure involving the removal of multiple appendices in different species.

READ MORE: Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling to Use?

Singular of Appendices or Appendixes

The singular form of both appendices and appendixes is appendix. This single term refers to either the anatomical organ or a supplementary section in a book or document. Let’s explore where this term originated and how it developed into two plural forms.

Origins of the Word ‘Appendix’

The origins of the word appendix come from the Latin word “appendix,” meaning an attachment, addition, or appendage. The Latin roots of the word reflect its historical usage. In ancient texts, appendices referred to supplementary information added to main works. For example, if an ancient Roman scholar wrote a lengthy treatise, they might include an appendix for additional thoughts or references.

In Latin, the plural of appendix follows specific rules, leading to “appendices” when referring to multiple additions or attachments. However, English also created its own plural form, appendixes, to match standard English pluralization patterns. This means that in English, we have two correct options for the plural of appendix.

Today, both appendices and appendixes are accepted as correct, though their usage varies depending on the context. Understanding these origins helps clarify how these words fit into the broader scope of language and communication.

Why Both Appendices or Appendixes are the Plurals of ‘Appendix’?

Why both appendices and appendixes are plurals of appendix lies in the language’s blend of Latin roots with English grammar. When English borrows words from Latin, it often keeps the Latin plural endings. In this case, appendix becomes appendices when following Latin pluralization rules.

However, sometimes English adapts the plural to fit its own rules, adding an “-es” at the end instead of switching “-ix” to “-ices.” As a result, both appendices and appendixes are correct. For example, when you see both forms in academic journals or textbooks, it shows the flexibility of language. Writers can choose based on their audience or style preferences..

Appendices or Appendixes: Where to Use Which One?

Knowing when to use appendices vs. appendixes is important, especially for clear communication. Let’s delve deeper into each usage and provide some clear guidelines.

Term	Usage	Example
Appendix	Singular form	“The appendix contains key terms.”
Appendices	Plural in documents	“The report has several appendices for clarity.”
Appendixes	Plural in anatomy	“Several appendixes were examined during the study.”

1. Use “Appendices” for Books, Documents, and Reports: When referencing supplementary sections in a book or academic paper, appendices is more common. These sections often contain supporting data like tables, charts, or detailed explanations that don’t fit in the main body of the text.

Example: In a science report, you might say, “The appendices provide additional data on the experiment.” Here, appendices serve to present information that might otherwise disrupt the flow of the main argument.

Scenario: Imagine you wrote a thesis on climate change. In the main body, you discuss your findings, but you also conducted a series of surveys and collected a lot of data. Instead of including all this data in the main text, you create a section labeled “Appendices,” where you include graphs, tables, and survey questions. This keeps your thesis focused while still providing valuable information for readers.

2. Use “Appendixes” in Anatomy or Medicine: In anatomy, appendixes refers to multiple organs within the body, like multiple instances of the appendix. This usage is more specialized and is often seen in medical texts.

Example: In medical books, you may read, “Appendixes are found in different animal species.” Here, the term highlights the anatomical aspect and can refer to the presence of appendices in various organisms, not just humans.

Scenario: Consider a medical research paper discussing the role of the appendix in different animals. The researcher might state, “Various species possess appendixes, and their functions may vary.” In this context, appendixes clearly relates to the anatomical discussion at hand.

3. Use Either for General Plurality: In less formal writing, either word can be used for the plural form of appendix. The choice between appendices and appendixes is more about preference when the context doesn’t strictly dictate one form over the other.

Example: “In the company’s manuals, appendices (or appendixes) are provided for employee guidelines.” This sentence highlights that both terms can be interchangeably used, depending on the writer’s style.

Scenario: If a company creates an employee handbook, they might say, “The handbook contains several appendices (or appendixes) to help new employees understand company policies.” Here, the focus is on clarity rather than strict adherence to academic or medical standards.

Examples in Context

To further illustrate the differences, here are some practical examples in varied contexts.

Appendix: (Singular)

In both contexts, appendix is used as a singular noun.

• “The book includes an appendix with definitions of key terms.” In this case, the singular appendix provides essential definitions for readers to understand the content better.
• “The appendix in the human body plays no essential role in digestion.” Here, we see the anatomical use of the term, which is common in biology discussions.

Appendices (Plural in Reference to a Book or Document)

• Books and Documents: “The research paper included multiple appendices with extra data tables.” In this instance, the appendices serve to clarify or expand upon the findings discussed in the main text.
• Reports: “Financial appendices are attached to provide additional breakdowns of the numbers.” In financial contexts, appendices can clarify complex data and provide transparency.

Appendices (Plural in Reference to Anatomy)

• “In some animal species, appendices are present in slightly different forms and locations.” This sentence emphasizes the variation in anatomical structures across species.
• “The evolution of appendices across species has been widely studied.” This highlights how understanding appendices in various organisms can provide insights into evolutionary biology.

ALSO READ: How past tense of run Changes in the Past and Past Participle

A Final Look at Appendices or Appendixes

In summary, both appendices and appendixes serve as plural forms of appendix, but their usage varies depending on the context. Appendices is commonly used in academic and professional writing to refer to supplementary sections, while appendixes is typically associated with anatomical references 

FAQs

What is the difference between appendices and appendixes?
Appendices is the plural form typically used in academic and professional documents, referring to supplementary sections. Appendixes is primarily used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to multiple instances of the anatomical appendix.

Can I use appendixes in academic writing?
Yes, you can use appendixes in academic writing, but it’s more common to use appendices for clarity. In less formal writing, either term may be acceptable.

 What is an example of an appendix in a research paper?
An appendix in a research paper may include additional data tables, charts, or detailed explanations that support the main findings but would clutter the main text if included.

Is appendix singular or plural?
Appendix is the singular form. It can refer to either the supplementary section in a document or the anatomical organ in the human body.

Are both forms of appendix correct?
Yes, both appendices and appendixes are correct plural forms of appendix. The choice between them depends on the context of use, such as academic writing or medical discussions.

Sources

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: This dictionary provides clear definitions of “appendix,” “appendices,” and “appendixes,” including their grammatical forms and usage in sentences. You can find more detailed information on their website here.

Oxford English Dictionary (OED): The OED offers comprehensive coverage of English words, including “appendix,” detailing its definitions, various forms, and historical usage. This is an excellent resource for understanding the nuances of the term. 

Cambridge Dictionary

Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)