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

The English language is full of fascinating quirks, especially when it comes to plural forms of words borrowed from other languages. One of the most common examples that confuses people is the word “syllabus.” Is the correct plural form syllabuses or syllabi? 

If you’ve ever wondered which to use, you’re not alone. Let’s dive deep into the usage, history, and correct forms of the plural of syllabus.

What is Syllabus?

Before we tackle the plural form, it’s important to understand what syllabus means. A syllabus is a document or outline that lays out the structure of an academic course. It typically includes a list of topics to be covered, assignments, exams, readings, and sometimes a schedule. 

In essence, a syllabus is a guide that helps both students and instructors understand the expectations and plan for the course.

For example:

“The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.”

Whether you’re in college, high school, or even professional training, you’ve likely encountered a syllabus at some point in your academic journey.

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Plural of Syllabus: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

Now comes the tricky part: what’s the correct plural form of syllabus? Both syllabuses and syllabi are accepted forms, but which should you use?

• Syllabuses is the Anglicized plural form. It follows the regular pluralization rule for most English words, where we simply add -es to the end of the singular noun.
• Syllabi is the Latin-derived plural form, following the classical rules of Latin where nouns ending in -us often change to -i in the plural.

Both are grammatically correct, but your choice of which to use often depends on context or preference.

If you’re aiming for a more formal or scholarly tone, you might opt for syllabi, as it harkens back to the word’s Latin roots. However, syllabuses is perfectly acceptable and more commonly used in everyday English, especially in the U.S. academic setting.

Some Nouns Ending with ‘-us’ and Their Plurals

To better understand the pluralization of syllabus, let’s look at other nouns that end in -us and their plural forms.

Singular Noun	Plural (Anglicized)	Plural (Latin-derived)
Syllabus	Syllabuses	Syllabi
Focus	Focuses	Foci
Cactus	Cactuses	Cacti
Radius	Radiuses	Radii
Octopus	Octopuses	(Octopi) (incorrect)

As shown, some words like focus and cactus follow the same pattern, with both Anglicized and Latin plurals being acceptable. However, it’s essential to note that some Latin plurals, like octopi, are often mistakenly used, as octopus is Greek in origin, and the correct plural is actually octopuses.

What about Syllaboi?

Interestingly, some scholars have pointed out that syllaboi could theoretically be a plural form, as it follows the pattern of Greek-derived words ending in -os. However, this plural is rarely used, and most people stick to either syllabuses or syllabi.

The word syllabus comes from a misreading of Latin and Greek texts, making the existence of syllaboi even more of an anomaly. In modern English, it’s best to avoid this form entirely.

Origins of the Word “Syllabus”

The origins of the word syllabus are quite interesting. It traces back to Latin, but it wasn’t always a straightforward term. The word is believed to have originated from a mistranslation of the Greek word sittybos, meaning a parchment label or list. Over time, it evolved into the Latin syllabus and came to mean a list or outline of a course of study.

This historical background adds to the confusion about the word’s plural form. Given its Greek origins and Latin usage, both syllabuses and syllabi can be justified, although syllabi adheres more closely to its Latin heritage.

Examples in Context (Singular and Plural)

It’s one thing to talk about grammar rules, but seeing the word used in sentences can make the differences clearer. Here’s how to use the singular and plural forms of syllabus in various contexts.

Singular (“Syllabus”)

• “The syllabus outlines all the readings for the semester.”
• “This syllabus is more detailed than last year’s.”
• “According to the syllabus, we have three major exams.”

Plural (“Syllabuses”)

• “The teachers distributed their syllabuses during orientation.”
• “Different courses have different syllabuses depending on the instructor.”
• “We need to revise all the syllabuses to reflect the updated curriculum.”

Plural (“Syllabi”)

• “The syllabi for graduate courses are often more complex.”
• “Some syllabi emphasize student participation, while others focus on lectures.”
• “By reviewing the syllabi, we can see the structure of each course.”

As you can see, both syllabuses and syllabi work in these examples, but syllabuses is often preferred in everyday English, whereas syllabi might be used in more formal or academic contexts.

Synonyms for the Word “Syllabus”

While syllabus is the most commonly used word in education, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning. Let’s explore some alternatives.

Formal:

Curriculum: Refers to the entire set of courses and content offered at an institution.

Example: “The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects.”

Outline: A brief description of the main points of a course.

Example: “The course outline provides an overview of the topics we’ll cover.”

Program: Sometimes used in place of syllabus, especially in British English.

Example: “The program includes lectures, exams, and group projects.”

Informal (use with caution):

Game plan: A casual way to describe a structured approach to a course.

Example: “The teacher’s game plan is clear in the syllabus.”

Roadmap: A figurative way to refer to a plan or guide.

Example: “The syllabus is our roadmap for the semester.”

Agenda: Though more commonly used for meetings, this term can be used informally to describe the list of topics in a course.

Example: “The course agenda is similar to last year’s syllabus.”

While these synonyms can be useful in some contexts, it’s always good to stick with the standard syllabus in academic or formal writing to avoid confusion.

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

Here are some unique tips to help clarify this linguistic conundrum:

Know Your Roots: “Syllabus” is derived from Latin. In Latin, the plural form of “syllabus” is “syllabi.” Understanding this origin can help you remember that “syllabi” is the more traditional academic term.

Context Matters: In formal or academic settings, especially in universities or colleges, “syllabi” is often preferred. If you’re writing a paper or communicating with professors, using “syllabi” can lend a touch of professionalism.

Everyday Usage: “Syllabuses” is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation or writing. If you’re discussing multiple syllabuses among friends or colleagues, feel free to use “syllabuses” without hesitation.

Consistency is Key: Choose one plural form and stick with it throughout your writing. Whether you opt for “syllabi” or “syllabuses,” maintaining consistency will enhance clarity and professionalism in your work.

Check Your Audience: Depending on your audience, one form may be more widely recognized than the other. If you’re writing for a general audience, “syllabuses” might be more relatable. In contrast, academic audiences might expect “syllabi.”

Cultural Considerations: Language usage can vary by region. In some English-speaking countries, one form may be more common than the other. Be aware of your audience’s preferences based on cultural norms.

Use Visual Aids: If you’re teaching or explaining this concept, consider creating a visual chart that compares the two terms. This can make the distinction clearer for your audience.

Engage with Examples: Provide sentences using both forms to illustrate their usage. For instance: “The syllabus for this course outlines all assignments” versus “The syllabi for all courses were distributed at orientation.”

Grammar Resources: Don’t hesitate to consult grammar guides or online resources when in doubt. Websites like Grammarly or the Purdue OWL can offer clarity on such questions.

Have Fun with Language: Language evolves, and usage can change over time. Embrace the quirks of English, and remember that language is meant to be fluid. If you find yourself in a debate about “syllabuses” versus “syllabi,” enjoy the conversation!

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Conclusion

So, what’s the correct plural of syllabus? Both syllabuses and syllabi are perfectly acceptable, though syllabuses is the more commonly used form in modern English, especially in casual or everyday contexts. Syllabi, with its classical Latin roots, tends to be favored in more formal or academic settings.

Whether you’re drafting a syllabus for a course or reviewing multiple syllabuses (or syllabi!), you’ll be prepared to use the right term with ease.