When it comes to the plural of “syllabus,” the question of whether it’s syllabuses or syllabi can leave many scratching their heads. Both forms are used in English, but they serve different contexts and are rooted in the language’s evolution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the correct usage, provide examples, explore the origins, and clarify the rules to make sure you never make a mistake again.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just a language enthusiast, understanding the plural of syllabus is essential for clear and accurate communication in academic and professional settings.
What Exactly Is a Syllabus? Definition and Purpose
A syllabus is a formal document or outline used in educational settings to communicate the goals, assignments, policies, and structure of a course. It serves as a roadmap for both students and instructors, detailing what will be covered throughout the duration of the course, including dates for exams, assignment deadlines, and any required readings.
Purpose of a Syllabus
- Guidance for Students: Students refer to the syllabus to understand expectations, important deadlines, and the scope of the course content.
- Clarity for Instructors: Teachers use the syllabus to organize their curriculum, ensure consistency in delivering the material, and manage class time efficiently.
- Legal Protection: In higher education, a syllabus often serves as a contract between students and instructors, helping to avoid misunderstandings about grading and policies.
What Does a Syllabus Include?
- Course objectives
- List of required textbooks and materials
- Weekly schedule or calendar of topics and readings
- Assignment deadlines and grading criteria
- Office hours and contact information for the instructor
Understanding the purpose and function of a syllabus helps clarify why this seemingly simple word has two distinct plural forms—syllabuses and syllabi—each with its own historical and practical use.
Plural of Syllabus: Is It Syllabuses or Syllabi?
The confusion around the plural of syllabus stems from the word’s roots and its journey through the English language. The correct plural depends on whether you adhere to traditional Latin rules or the more modern English conventions. So, let’s get straight to the point:
Both Forms Are Correct, but Context Matters
- Syllabuses is the more modern plural form used widely in contemporary English, especially in casual, non-academic contexts.
- Syllabi is the traditional Latin plural form, and it is still commonly used in academic and formal settings.
While both are grammatically acceptable, the preference varies depending on the context and audience. In academic circles, syllabi is often favored because of its Latin roots, but syllabuses has gained prominence, especially in more informal writing and speech.
Example Usage
- Syllabuses: “The instructor provided the syllabuses for all the courses in the department.”
- Syllabi: “The syllabi for this semester are available in the course portal.”
Deep Dive: Why Two Plurals? The Evolution of the Word “Syllabus”
Understanding why English has two plural forms for syllabus requires a look into the evolution of the word and the impact of Latin on academic English. Syllabus itself comes from the Greek word syllabē, which means “a list.” However, its journey into Latin and English is what really complicated its pluralization.
Latin Influence
In Latin, nouns that ended in -us typically formed their plural by changing -us to -i. For example:
- Focus becomes foci.
- Cactus becomes cacti.
- Census becomes censuses.
This tradition led many Latin-derived English words to follow the same pattern, and syllabus was no exception. Hence, syllabi emerged as the plural, following the Latin rule.
English Adaptation
However, English tends to simplify and adapt Latin words in its own way. Over time, English speakers began to use syllabuses as a more straightforward, anglicized plural. This form aligns with other common English plurals like classes, groups, and papers.
Modern Usage Trends
Today, syllabuses is more common in general English usage, particularly in non-academic or casual contexts. However, syllabi is still strongly preferred in academic writing, research papers, and formal educational settings.
Some Other Nouns Ending in “-us” (And Their Plurals)
The confusion over syllabus is far from unique. Many English words that end in -us follow similar pluralization patterns. Here are a few examples to illustrate the point:
| Singular | Traditional Plural (Latin) | Modern English Plural |
| Focus | Foci | Focuses |
| Cactus | Cacti | Cactuses |
| Fungus | Fungi | Funguses |
| Alumnus | Alumni | Alumni (common) |
| Thesis | Theses | Theses |
Key Observations:
- Some -us nouns retain their -i ending in the plural (e.g., alumni, fungi, cacti).
- Others adopt the regular English -es ending (e.g., focuses, funguses).
Knowing how these words behave can help you understand how syllabus fits into the broader pattern of -us pluralization.
Is “Syllaboi” a Word? Clearing Up the Confusion
A common mistake that people make is mistakenly using syllaboi as the plural of syllabus. However, syllaboi is not a correct plural form in either Latin or English. While it might sound plausible given the Latin-sounding structure, it is a non-standard usage that likely arises from a misinterpretation of Latin pluralization rules.
Why People Use “Syllaboi”
The confusion might stem from other similar-sounding Latin plurals that end in -oi, such as folio becoming foli or pennato turning into pennati in older linguistic contexts. However, these patterns do not apply to syllabus.
If you ever encounter syllaboi in writing, it’s best to correct it to either syllabuses or syllabi, depending on the context.
Etymology: The Origins of the Word “Syllabus”
The word syllabus has an interesting and somewhat humorous origin. It comes from the Latin syllabus, which means a “list.” However, the true source of the word is traced to a mistake that occurred in the Renaissance.
The Copyist’s Error
It is believed that the term syllabus originally came from a misreading of the Latin word syllabos. The copyist of a manuscript mistakenly wrote syllabus, and the term stuck. This historical error paved the way for the term to evolve into the academic concept of an outline or curriculum.
Fun Fact: The Word Wasn’t Always About Education
While syllabus now refers to an academic outline, its original meaning referred simply to a list of items or titles. It wasn’t until later that it became associated with the structure of educational courses.
Examples in Context: Using Syllabus, Syllabuses, and Syllabi Correctly
Singular Example Sentences (“Syllabus”)
- “The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.”
- “This syllabus outlines the major assignments and exam dates for the semester.”
- “Please refer to the syllabus to understand the grading criteria.”
Plural Example Sentences (“Syllabuses”)
- “The department head reviewed all the syllabuses for the new courses.”
- “We received the syllabuses for each course we’re teaching this term.”
- “Some students still haven’t received the updated syllabuses.”
Plural Example Sentences (“Syllabi”)
- “The syllabi for all the courses will be uploaded to the portal by next week.”
- “The instructor provided copies of the syllabi during the orientation session.”
- “You can find the syllabi for this semester in the student handbook.”
By now, it’s clear that the context and setting often dictate which plural form is most appropriate.
Synonyms for Syllabus: When to Use Another Word
While syllabus is widely understood, there are times when a synonym may be more fitting or less formal. Here’s a breakdown:
Formal Synonyms:
- Curriculum: Refers to the entire content of a course, not just a list.
- Course outline: Used often in professional settings.
- Program of study: Refers to a broader academic structure, often for a full degree.
Informal Synonyms (Use with Caution):
- Class plan: More casual, but may be useful in a teaching environment.
- Lesson breakdown: A less formal alternative, often used in early education.
- Course sheet: Rare, but sometimes used in non-academic settings.
Choosing the right synonym depends on your audience and tone. For academic and formal contexts, syllabus is preferred, while more casual synonyms may be appropriate in less rigid settings.
Common Mistakes and FAQs
Can You Say “Syllabuseses”?
Absolutely not. The plural form syllabuses is already a correct plural and does not require any extra “s.”
Should You Always Use “Syllabi” in College Writing?
While syllabi is preferred in more formal academic settings, both syllabuses and syllabi are grammatically correct. It’s best to follow the style guide of your institution or publisher.
Does British English Prefer One Form Over the Other?
In British English, syllabi tends to be used more frequently in academic circles. However, syllabuses is still used in general contexts.
Conclusion
Understanding the plural forms of syllabus—syllabuses and syllabi—is essential for clear, effective communication in academic and professional settings. While both are grammatically correct, knowing when to use each form can elevate your writing and ensure you come across as knowledgeable.
In general, syllabi is favored in academic writing, while syllabuses is more common in everyday usage. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you’ll always choose the right plural form for your context, and you’ll do so with confidence.
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Alyan Ashraf is the creative mind behind English Overviews, a platform dedicated to helping learners master the English language. Passionate about education and language development, Alyan specializes in simplifying complex English concepts, making learning accessible for students of all levels.
