Have you ever wondered what to call multiple course outlines? Should you say “syllabuses” or “syllabi”? If you’ve hesitated before using the word, you’re not alone! Many students, teachers, and even native English speakers get confused about which plural form is correct.
The good news? Both words are correct—but there’s a little more to the story. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, grammar rules, and real-world usage of “syllabus” to help you pick the right plural form with confidence.
Understanding the Word “Syllabus”
A syllabus is a document that outlines the topics, assignments, rules, and schedule for a class. Students usually receive a syllabus on the first day of class. This document works like a contract between teachers and students, explaining what everyone should expect.
The syllabus typically includes information about textbooks, grading, attendance rules, and important dates. Teachers use syllabuses/syllabi as guides for their courses to make sure they cover all the important material.
The History and Origin of “Syllabus”
The word “syllabus” has an interesting history. Surprisingly, it doesn’t come directly from Latin as many people think.
The term started from a misreading of the Greek word “sittybas,” which meant a label or table of contents. In the 1400s, a printing mistake in Cicero’s “Letters to Atticus” changed “sittybas” to “syllabos.” This error was later adopted into Late Latin as “syllabus.”
By the 1650s, the term entered English to mean a list or catalog. Its current meaning—an outline of topics in a course—emerged in the 1880s. This unusual origin explains some of the confusion about its plural form.
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The Grammar Behind ‘-us’ Endings
Understanding how to make words ending in “-us” plural requires knowing where they come from:
| Word Ending | Origin | Regular Plural | Examples |
| -us (Latin) | Latin | -i | cactus → cacti, radius → radii |
| -us (Greek) | Greek | -uses or -i | octopus → octopuses/octopi |
| -us (English) | English | -uses | bonus → bonuses, campus → campuses |
| Special cases | Various | Varies | virus → viruses, corpus → corpora |
The plural form often depends on how well the word has been absorbed into English. Some words have both an English plural (-uses) and a classical plural (-i). Modern style guides increasingly prefer the English plurals for most words.
What is the Plural of Syllabus?
Both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are correct plural forms of “syllabus.”
“Syllabuses” follows the standard English pattern of adding “-es” to words ending in “-us.”
“Syllabi” follows the Latin pattern, replacing “-us” with “-i.”
Language experts accept both forms in modern English. “Syllabi” is more common in American English, while “syllabuses” appears more often in British English.
The choice often depends on how formal you want to sound and who you’re writing for.
Plural of Syllabus in the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) recognizes both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” as valid plural forms. The OED notes that “syllabuses” is the standard English plural but acknowledges “syllabi” as a widely used alternative.
The dictionary finds the first use of “syllabuses” in 1827, which came before “syllabi” in English texts. This recognition by one of the most respected dictionaries confirms that neither form is wrong.
Real-World Examples of “Syllabus” in Singular and Plural Forms
Singular Examples (“Syllabus”)
- “The professor handed out the course syllabus during the first class.”
- “According to the syllabus, the final exam is worth 40% of the grade.”
- “The online syllabus contains links to all required readings.”
Plural Examples (“Syllabuses” & “Syllabi”)
- “The committee reviewed the syllabi for all first-year courses.”
- “Students should keep their syllabuses from all classes for reference.”
- “Comparing syllabi across schools shows differences in course content.”
- “Most syllabuses now include information about online resources.”
Should You Use “Syllabuses” or “Syllabi” in Writing?
Think about your audience when choosing between “syllabuses” and “syllabi.”
In schools and colleges, “syllabi” often sounds more scholarly and is widely accepted. For general readers, “syllabuses” might be easier to understand.
Consistency matters—pick one form and stick with it throughout your writing.
Some writing guides have specific preferences:
- Chicago Manual of Style accepts both forms
- APA Style doesn’t specify a preference
- MLA Style tends to favor “syllabi”
When writing for a specific school or organization, check their preferred style.
Alternative Words for “Syllabus”
Formal Synonyms
- Course outline: A structured overview of what will be covered in a class.
- Curriculum: A broader term encompassing the entire educational program.
- Course description: Details about the content and objectives of a course.
- Course prospectus: A formal document describing what a course offers.
- Academic program: The complete plan of study for a particular subject.
- Instructional plan: A teacher’s strategy for delivering educational content.
Informal Synonyms
- Class plan: A straightforward term for what will happen in a course.
- Course roadmap: A visual metaphor for the journey through course material.
- Class schedule: Focuses on the timing of topics and assignments.
- Course rundown: A casual way to describe what a class covers.
- Study guide: Materials that help students prepare for class content.
- Class agenda: A list of topics and activities planned for a course.
Regional Variations in Usage
Different English-speaking countries show distinct preferences in how they pluralize syllabus.
In the United States, “syllabi” appears about twice as often in academic publications.
British schools tend to favor “syllabuses” in official documents.
Canadian usage shows a mix of both forms, with a slight preference for “syllabi.”
Australian and New Zealand academic contexts lean toward “syllabuses.”
Digital Age and the Evolution of Syllabus Usage
The digital transformation of education has influenced how we discuss course materials.
Learning management systems often use “syllabi” in their interfaces and documentation.
Educational technology companies typically prefer the more technical-sounding “syllabi.”
Search data shows that online searches for “syllabi” outnumber those for “syllabuses.”
However, grammar checkers often flag “syllabi” and suggest “syllabuses” as the correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural form of syllabus Oxford dictionary?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are accepted as correct plural forms of “syllabus.” The OED notes that “syllabuses” is the standard English plural, while acknowledging “syllabi” as a widely used alternative that developed from the mistaken assumption about Latin origins.
What are multiple syllabuses called?
Multiple syllabuses can be called either “syllabuses” or “syllabi.” Both forms are grammatically correct and widely used in educational contexts. “Syllabi” tends to be more common in American academic settings, while “syllabuses” is more frequently used in British English.
What is the plural form of syllable?
The plural form of “syllable” is “syllables.” Unlike “syllabus,” the word “syllable” follows the regular English pluralization pattern of simply adding “-s” to form the plural. There is no alternative classical plural form for this word.
What is the correct plural form?
You can use either “syllabuses” or “syllabi” as the plural of “syllabus” both are correct! Language authorities and dictionaries recognize both versions as acceptable in modern English. The choice between them often depends on regional preferences, the level of formality required, and personal style.
How to pluralize a syllabus?
To pluralize “syllabus,” you can either use the standard English plural form “syllabuses” by adding “-es” to the end, or the Latinized plural form “syllabi” by replacing the “-us” ending with “-i.” Both forms are correct, and your choice may depend on your audience and the formality of your writing.
Conclusion
Both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are correct plural forms of “syllabus.” Your choice depends on your audience, context, and personal preference. “Syllabi” tends to sound more academic, while “syllabuses” follows standard English rules.
Whether you choose “syllabuses” or “syllabi,” consistency within a single document is key. What matters most is clear communication that your readers will understand. So next time you’re discussing multiple course outlines, you can confidently choose the plural form that best fits your specific situation.
Want to improve your English? Learn about language devices, writing tips, and plural nouns in a simple way!
Theodore is a language expert dedicated to enhancing writing skills through clear grammar guidance. Specializing in writing tips, plural nouns, and language devices, he simplifies complex rules to help writers communicate effectively and confidently.
