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

The English language is full of quirks, and one that trips up even the most seasoned grammarians is the plural of the word “syllabus.” Is it syllabuses or syllabi? It seems like a simple question, but once you dive into the details, you’ll discover that there’s more to it than just a straightforward answer.

This article is your ultimate guide to understanding the plural of “syllabus” in all its forms. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone fascinated by the intricacies of the English language, this post will clear up any confusion. From the origins of the word to its usage in different contexts, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. So, let’s dive right in and explore the plural of “syllabus” and why it matters.

What Is a Syllabus?

Before we can dive into the plural forms, it’s essential to understand what a syllabus actually is. In simple terms, a syllabus is a document that outlines the content, objectives, assignments, and schedule of a course or educational program. It serves as a roadmap for students, giving them a clear idea of what to expect over the duration of the course.

In academia, a syllabus is usually handed out at the beginning of a course. It helps both instructors and students stay on track. Beyond just listing topics, a syllabus might also include:

• Course objectives – What students are expected to learn.
• Reading lists – Texts or resources for students to engage with.
• Assignments and deadlines – Due dates for essays, projects, and tests.
• Grading policy – How students will be evaluated.
• Class schedule – A weekly breakdown of the course structure.
  In non-academic settings, a syllabus might refer to a training plan, a roadmap for a workshop, or an outline for a corporate learning program.

Understanding what a syllabus is gives us a clearer idea of why this term appears in everyday language, and why its plural form is so important.

Plural of “Syllabus”: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

So, here’s the question that’s been hanging in the air: is it syllabuses or syllabi?

Both are correct—but it depends on the context. In modern English, especially in the U.S., both plurals are widely accepted, though they are used in slightly different settings. Let’s break it down:

• Syllabi: This is the more traditional plural, adhering to the Latin rules for words ending in -us. In academia, particularly in formal contexts (like scholarly articles or academic publications), syllabi is often preferred. You’ll see this form most often in the UK and among certain academic communities.
• Syllabuses: This is the more modern and widely accepted plural in everyday English, particularly in the U.S. It’s often used in less formal contexts, like emails or casual conversations. While it’s technically an anglicized plural form, it’s fully recognized by dictionaries and style guides.

Table: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi

Use Case	Preferred Form
Academic writing	Syllabi
Casual conversation	Syllabuses
Formal publications	Syllabi
Emails to students	Syllabuses

As we can see, the plural form you choose depends largely on the context and tone you’re aiming for. In academic settings, syllabi is the go-to, but when communicating more casually, syllabuses works just fine.

Origins of the Word “Syllabus”

To fully understand why we have these two plural forms, it’s helpful to know where the word “syllabus” comes from. The term traces its roots back to the Greek word “syllabe”, meaning “a collection” or “a summary.” However, the word syllabus as we know it today first appeared in Latin.

The word gained prominence in the 16th century as it was used to describe a list or summary of items. Interestingly, “syllabus” was initially a printing error in the 16th century, a mistaken version of “syllabic,” which referred to the structure of the word. Over time, this misspelling became accepted in English, and we have been using it ever since.

Fun Fact:

Some etymologists believe that the use of “syllabi” (the Latin-style plural) is a holdover from scholarly traditions and a deep respect for classical languages. This explains why syllabi is still preferred in more formal, academic writing.

Are There Other Plurals Like “Syllabus”? A Look at ‘-us’ Nouns

The confusion around the plural of syllabus isn’t unique. Many English words borrowed from Latin and Greek end in -us and follow similar pluralization patterns. Here’s a breakdown of common -us nouns and their plural forms:

Table: Common Latin-Origin Nouns and Their Plurals

Singular	Plural
Cactus	Cacti
Focus	Foci
Nucleus	Nuclei
Crisis	Crises
Syllabus	Syllabi/Syllabuses

As you can see, the plural forms can be -i (such as “cacti” for cactus) or -es (as in “focuses” for focus).

This is why some people lean toward syllabi because it follows the pattern of other words ending in -us. However, syllabuses is simply an anglicized version, which adheres to the rules of English pluralization.

What About “Syllaboi”? Is That Even a Word?

If you’ve come across the word “syllaboi”, you might have wondered if it’s a legitimate plural form of syllabus. The short answer: No, “syllaboi” is not a standard word in English.

While it might sound plausible given the Latin structure, the plural form syllaboi is incorrect. It’s essentially a myth that occasionally pops up in casual or humorous contexts, but it is never used in serious academic writing.

Here’s why:

• In Latin, the plural of a word like syllabus would follow a specific rule, but it would not become syllaboi.
• Syllabi and syllabuses are the only accepted plurals. Anything else is just a misunderstanding.

Real Examples: Using “Syllabus” in Singular and Plural Form

Now that we know the theory, let’s take a look at how syllabus works in practice—both in its singular and plural forms. Below are real-world examples of how you might see these words used:

Singular Use: “Syllabus”

• Example 1: “The syllabus for this course outlines all the topics we’ll cover, from the basics of quantum mechanics to advanced theories.”
• Example 2: “Please make sure you read the entire syllabus before the first class.”

Plural Use: “Syllabuses”

• Example 1: “The instructor handed out the syllabuses for all the courses in the department.”
• Example 2: “I have to update the syllabuses for my students before the semester begins.”
  Plural Use: “Syllabi”

• Example 1: “All the syllabi for the spring semester are available on the university website.”
• Example 2: “The professor provided detailed syllabi for the students to follow.”

Syllabuses vs. Syllabi: When to Use Each One (and Why)

So, which plural should you use? Syllabi or syllabuses? Here are a few things to consider:

• Syllabi: Typically used in formal, academic contexts. If you’re writing a paper, an article, or addressing a more scholarly audience, syllabi is the more appropriate choice.
• Syllabuses: More common in everyday conversation or less formal contexts. If you’re sending an email to students or communicating casually, syllabuses is completely acceptable.

Chart: When to Use “Syllabuses” vs. “Syllabi”

Context	Preferred Form
Formal writing	Syllabi
Casual conversation	Syllabuses
Emails to students	Syllabuses
Academic journals	Syllabi

Synonyms for “Syllabus” and When to Use Them

While “syllabus” is the standard term, there are instances where you might want to use a synonym to avoid repetition or sound less formal. Here are some alternatives:

• Formal Synonyms:
  • Course outline
  • Curriculum overview
  • Study plan
  • Instructional guide
• Informal Synonyms (use with caution):
  • Lesson plan
  • Study guide
  • Course roadmap

Here’s a quick table to clarify when to use each one:

Synonym	Best Use
Course outline	Formal, academic contexts
Lesson plan	Informal, teacher-student communication
Study guide	Less formal, personal learning
Curriculum overview	Official, formal curriculum descriptions

Common Questions About the Plural of Syllabus (FAQ)

• Is “syllabuses” grammatically correct?
  Yes, it is. Both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are correct, but “syllabuses” is more common in everyday language.
• Which plural form should I use in an academic paper?
  Use syllabi in formal, academic writing, especially if you’re following traditional grammatical rules.
• Can I say “syllaboi”?
  No, “syllaboi” is not a standard word. Stick to syllabi or syllabuses.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, the plural of syllabus can be either syllabi or syllabuses. Both are grammatically correct, though they vary based on context and formality. Now that you understand the origins, usage, and nuances behind these two plurals, you can confidently use whichever one fits your needs.