Plural of Syllabus? Syllabuses or Syllabi? If you’ve ever hesitated while writing an email, preparing a lesson plan, or discussing coursework, you know how confusing this simple question can be. Do you go with the Latin-inspired syllabi that sounds scholarly, or the straightforward syllabuses that feels more natural in English?
You’re not alone this is one of those grammar puzzles that trips up even seasoned writers. The good news? Once you understand the rules (and a little history), the choice becomes crystal clear. Stick around, because this guide will give you the confidence to use the right form every time.
Quick Summary
Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct plurals of syllabus.
- Syllabuses is the standard English plural, widely accepted in modern usage.
- Syllabi is also correct but carries a more classical or formal tone due to its Latin influence.
Key Takeaways
- Use “syllabuses” in everyday, professional, and academic contexts—it’s the safest and most common form.
- Use “syllabi” if you want to evoke a classical, traditional, or formal tone.
- Both forms are grammatically correct, but “syllabuses” is preferred in contemporary English.
⚡ Quick Tip: If in doubt, stick with syllabuses. It’s recognized globally and avoids sounding pretentious or old-fashioned.
Reasons for Confusion
Why does this simple noun confuse so many speakers and writers?
1. The Latin and Greek Connection
English has borrowed countless words from Latin and Greek. Many of these words retain their original plural forms, like alumnus → alumni or criterion → criteria. People assume “syllabus” follows the same rule, producing syllabi.
2. Regular English Plural Rules
English speakers also expect nouns ending in “-us” to take “-es” in the plural: bus → buses, bonus → bonuses, focus → focuses. By this logic, syllabuses feels natural.
3. Influence of Academic Settings
Universities and schools often use syllabi in official communications, reinforcing the idea that this is the “proper” form. Yet in everyday professional and publishing contexts, syllabuses is equally (if not more) common.
4. Style Guide Variations
Different dictionaries and style guides allow both forms, leaving users unsure which one to adopt.
Detailed Explanation
So which one should you use? The answer depends on context and audience.
Syllabuses
This form follows regular English pluralization rules. It is more modern, neutral, and widely accepted in everyday English. It appears in newspapers, business documents, and general academic contexts.
Examples:
- The professor distributed three different syllabuses for the semester.
- Department heads reviewed all course syllabuses before approval.
Syllabi
This form mimics Latin plurals, giving it a more formal or classical flavor. Some universities and traditional institutions prefer this form because it feels scholarly.
Examples:
- The dean collected the revised syllabi from each instructor.
- Historical archives contain course syllabi dating back to the 19th century.
⚡ Quick Tip: Both forms are correct, but syllabuses is less likely to distract your reader with a “why did they choose that?” reaction.
Common Errors
Here are mistakes that learners (and even native speakers) sometimes make:
- ❌ Syllabus → syllabus. (Incorrect: you need a plural form.)
- ❌ Syllabusses. (Incorrect: adding an extra “s” is unnecessary.)
- ❌ Mixing forms in the same document: The teacher handed out syllabi for some classes and syllabuses for others. (Inconsistency weakens your writing.)
⚡ Quick Tip: Pick one form preferably syllabuses and use it consistently.
Synonyms or Alternatives
If you’d like to avoid the plural dilemma altogether, you can use synonyms or alternative phrasing:
| Word/Phrase | Example Usage | Tone/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Course outlines | The professor distributed the course outlines at the start of term. | Neutral, modern |
| Study guides | Students received detailed study guides for each module. | Informal, student-friendly |
| Curricula | The school revised its curricula to include digital literacy. | Broader, formal |
| Lesson plans | Teachers submitted lesson plans for review. | K–12, practical |
These terms work especially well in non-academic contexts or when addressing a general audience.
Examples in Sentences
Let’s look at side-by-side examples to reinforce both forms.
Using Syllabuses
- The new policy requires instructors to update their syllabuses annually.
- All English 101 syllabuses are available online.
- She designed the course syllabuses to align with national standards.
Using Syllabi
- The dean compared the syllabi across departments to check consistency.
- We uploaded archived syllabi for alumni reference.
- The student council reviewed several syllabi before voting on reforms.
Both sets of examples are correct; the difference lies in tone.
Origins and History
The word syllabus has a fascinating, somewhat messy history.
- It originally entered English in the 17th century, traced back to a misreading of a Latin word. The term came from syllabus, itself derived from the Greek sittybos (a label or table of contents).
- Over time, “syllabus” came to mean a summary or outline of topics especially in academic contexts.
- When pluralized, early writers applied the Latin rule, producing syllabi. But as English evolved, the more natural syllabuses became equally acceptable.
This dual heritage explains why both forms are still in circulation.
Broader Importance
Why does choosing between syllabuses and syllabi matter?
- Clarity for Readers
Readers should not stumble over your choice of words. Using the most familiar form (syllabuses) helps ensure smooth readability. - Professionalism
In business and educational settings, correct and consistent usage signals attention to detail. - Academic Tone
If you’re writing in a scholarly or traditional context, “syllabi” may lend a touch of formality. - Consistency Across Writing
Whether you choose “syllabuses” or “syllabi,” consistency avoids distracting readers or appearing uncertain.
Advanced Insights: What Dictionaries Say
Different authoritative sources treat the plural forms slightly differently:
| Source | Preferred Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford English Dictionary | Syllabuses | Lists “syllabi” as acceptable but less common. |
| Merriam-Webster | Syllabi or Syllabuses | Both equally correct. |
| Cambridge Dictionary | Syllabuses | Recommends this form for learners. |
| American Heritage | Syllabi | Notes “syllabuses” as also correct. |
⚡ Quick Tip: For international clarity, “syllabuses” is usually the safest bet.
Practice Section
Test your understanding with these examples. Which plural fits best?
- The teacher uploaded all course ___ to the online portal.
- The university preserved dozens of old ___ from the 1800s.
- The department requested updated ___ from every lecturer.
✅ Answers:
- syllabuses
- syllabi (formal tone fits)
- syllabuses
Conclusion
So, what’s the plural of syllabus? The good news is you have two correct options: syllabuses and syllabi.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Syllabuses is the standard, modern English plural and the safest choice for most contexts.
- Syllabi is also correct but carries a classical, academic feel.
- Consistency matters more than which form you choose.
- Alternatives like “course outlines” or “study guides” can simplify your writing.
By mastering this distinction, you add polish, professionalism, and confidence to your communication whether you’re preparing university documents, writing reports, or simply having a conversation. So next time you need the plural of syllabus, you’ll know exactly what to say and say it with certainty.
