Understanding the plural form of “syllabus” is crucial for students, educators, and anyone involved in academic settings. This seemingly simple word can be tricky due to its Latin origins and the existence of two acceptable plural forms: “syllabi” and “syllabuses.” Knowing when and how to use each form correctly enhances clarity and professionalism in academic writing and communication.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the plural of “syllabus,” covering its definition, structural breakdown, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises, ensuring you master its proper usage.
Whether you’re a student writing a research paper, a teacher preparing course materials, or simply someone interested in expanding your grammatical knowledge, this guide will equip you with the tools and understanding necessary to confidently navigate the nuances of “syllabus” and its plural forms.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Syllabus
- Structural Breakdown
- Types or Categories
- Examples of Usage
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Syllabus
A syllabus is an outline or summary of the topics to be covered in an education or training course. It typically includes a schedule, reading assignments, grading policies, and other relevant information about the course. The syllabus serves as a contract between the instructor and the students, setting expectations and providing a roadmap for the semester or term. It is an essential document in academic settings, providing clarity and structure for both educators and learners.
The word “syllabus” originates from the Greek word “σύλλαβος” (syllabos), which originally meant “label” or “table of contents.” It evolved over time to refer specifically to a summary of a course’s content. The term is primarily used in educational contexts, such as universities, colleges, and professional training programs.
A well-designed syllabus is crucial for effective teaching and learning. It helps students understand the course objectives, requirements, and expectations from the outset.
It also allows instructors to organize their course content and ensure that all essential topics are covered. In many institutions, the syllabus is a required document for every course offered.
Structural Breakdown
The word “syllabus” is a singular noun. When forming its plural, there are two accepted options: “syllabi” and “syllabuses.” The choice between these two depends on personal preference and the context in which the word is used.
Understanding the structural origins of the word helps to explain why there are two valid plural forms.
The plural form “syllabi” follows the Latin declension rules, reflecting the word’s origin. In Latin, nouns ending in “-us” often form their plural by changing the “-us” to “-i.” This pattern is seen in other words borrowed from Latin, such as “alumnus” (plural: “alumni”) and “cactus” (plural: “cacti” or “cactuses”).
The plural form “syllabuses” follows the standard English rule for forming the plural of nouns ending in “-us,” which is to add “-es.” This is a more straightforward approach and is generally considered acceptable in most contexts, especially in less formal writing. Both forms are grammatically correct, but “syllabi” may be perceived as more formal or academic.
Types or Categories
The word “syllabus” itself doesn’t have different types or categories. However, syllabi can be categorized based on the subject matter they cover or the level of education for which they are designed.
For example, there can be syllabi for:
Subject-Specific Syllabi
These syllabi are tailored to specific academic disciplines, such as mathematics, history, literature, or biology. Each syllabus will contain content and objectives relevant to that particular field of study.
Level-Specific Syllabi
These syllabi are designed for different levels of education, such as introductory courses, advanced seminars, or graduate-level programs. The content and expectations will vary depending on the students’ prior knowledge and the course’s objectives.
Online vs. In-Person Syllabi
Syllabi can also be categorized based on the mode of instruction. Online syllabi may include information about online platforms, virtual meeting schedules, and digital resources.
In-person syllabi will focus on classroom logistics, physical resources, and face-to-face interactions.
Comprehensive vs. Abbreviated Syllabi
Some syllabi are very detailed, providing extensive information about every aspect of the course. Others are more concise, focusing on the most essential information and leaving room for flexibility.
Examples of Usage
Here are several examples illustrating the use of “syllabus,” “syllabi,” and “syllabuses” in different contexts. These examples are organized into tables to provide clarity and demonstrate the various ways these words can be used in sentences.
Examples Using “Syllabus” (Singular)
The table below provides examples of using the singular form “syllabus” in sentences.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class. |
| 2 | I reviewed the syllabus to understand the course requirements. |
| 3 | The syllabus outlines the grading policy and attendance expectations. |
| 4 | Please refer to the syllabus for information about late assignments. |
| 5 | The syllabus is available for download on the course website. |
| 6 | The instructor updated the syllabus to reflect changes in the schedule. |
| 7 | The syllabus includes a detailed list of required readings. |
| 8 | Make sure to read the syllabus carefully before the next class. |
| 9 | The syllabus provides a roadmap for the entire semester. |
| 10 | The syllabus is considered a contract between the student and the professor. |
| 11 | I found the syllabus very helpful in organizing my study schedule. |
| 12 | The syllabus clearly states the consequences of plagiarism. |
| 13 | Before asking questions, check the syllabus first. |
| 14 | The syllabus includes information about office hours and contact information. |
| 15 | The syllabus is a crucial document for understanding the course. |
| 16 | Each student received a copy of the syllabus. |
| 17 | The syllabus is designed to help students succeed in the course. |
| 18 | The syllabus was approved by the department head. |
| 19 | The syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. |
| 20 | I always keep the syllabus handy throughout the semester. |
Examples Using “Syllabi” (Plural)
The table below provides examples of using the plural form “syllabi” in sentences.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The department requires all instructors to submit their syllabi before the semester begins. |
| 2 | I reviewed the syllabi for all my courses to plan my study schedule. |
| 3 | The syllabi provided a comprehensive overview of each course’s content. |
| 4 | The university archives maintains a collection of past syllabi. |
| 5 | The committee analyzed the syllabi to ensure consistency across different sections of the same course. |
| 6 | The professors discussed the best ways to design effective syllabi. |
| 7 | The syllabi for the graduate courses were more detailed than those for the undergraduate courses. |
| 8 | We compared the syllabi from different universities to identify best practices. |
| 9 | The syllabi were organized by department and course level. |
| 10 | The students found the syllabi helpful in understanding the course expectations. |
| 11 | The dean requested copies of the syllabi for all courses. |
| 12 | The syllabi must include a statement on academic integrity. |
| 13 | The instructors collaborated to create standardized syllabi for the introductory courses. |
| 14 | The syllabi are available online for students to access. |
| 15 | The syllabi should be comprehensive and easy to understand. |
| 16 | The academic advisors reviewed the syllabi to ensure they met university standards. |
| 17 | The syllabi are a valuable resource for students and instructors alike. |
| 18 | The syllabi were updated to reflect the latest research in the field. |
| 19 | The syllabi provide a clear outline of the course objectives and learning outcomes. |
| 20 | The syllabi were designed to promote student success. |
| 21 | We collected the syllabi to evaluate the curriculum. |
| 22 | The syllabi are essential for accreditation purposes. |
| 23 | The syllabi should include information about disability services. |
| 24 | The syllabi were reviewed by a panel of experts. |
| 25 | The syllabi are designed to be student-friendly. |
Examples Using “Syllabuses” (Plural)
The table below provides examples of using the plural form “syllabuses” in sentences.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The professor distributed the syllabuses for all her courses. |
| 2 | I compared the syllabuses to see which course best fit my interests. |
| 3 | The syllabuses outlined the course requirements and grading policies. |
| 4 | The university provided templates for creating standardized syllabuses. |
| 5 | The instructors collaborated to develop comprehensive syllabuses. |
| 6 | The syllabuses were posted online for easy access. |
| 7 | The students reviewed the syllabuses before selecting their courses. |
| 8 | The department head approved the syllabuses for the upcoming semester. |
| 9 | The syllabuses included detailed information about the course content. |
| 10 | The syllabuses were designed to help students succeed in their studies. |
| 11 | The librarian collected the old syllabuses for archival purposes. |
| 12 | The syllabuses were updated to reflect changes in the curriculum. |
| 13 | The academic committee reviewed the syllabuses to ensure quality. |
| 14 | The syllabuses were a valuable resource for both students and faculty. |
| 15 | The syllabuses provided a clear roadmap for the semester. |
| 16 | The syllabuses were distributed on the first day of class. |
| 17 | The registrar’s office maintains a database of all course syllabuses. |
| 18 | The syllabuses included information about required textbooks and materials. |
| 19 | The syllabuses were designed to be informative and user-friendly. |
| 20 | The syllabuses were available in both print and electronic formats. |
| 21 | The syllabuses for the online courses were particularly detailed. |
| 22 | The syllabuses were created using a standardized template. |
| 23 | The syllabuses clearly outlined the expectations for student performance. |
| 24 | The syllabuses were an important tool for communication between instructors and students. |
| 25 | The syllabuses were reviewed to ensure compliance with university policies. |
Usage Rules
The primary rule is that both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” are grammatically correct plural forms of “syllabus.” The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, style guidelines, and the level of formality required by the context.
Formality
“Syllabi” is generally considered more formal and academic due to its direct derivation from Latin. It is often preferred in scholarly writing, university documents, and formal presentations.
“Syllabuses” is considered less formal and is more commonly used in general writing and conversation. It is a safe choice in most contexts, especially if you are unsure which form to use.
Consistency
Regardless of which form you choose, it is essential to maintain consistency within a single document or piece of writing. Avoid switching between “syllabi” and “syllabuses” unless there is a specific reason to do so (e.g., quoting someone who uses a different form).
Style Guides
Some style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Handbook, may have specific recommendations for the pluralization of Latin-derived words. Consult the relevant style guide to ensure compliance with its rules.
Regional Differences
There may be slight regional preferences for one form over the other, but both are widely accepted in English-speaking countries. In general, “syllabuses” is more common in British English, while “syllabi” is more frequent in American English academic circles.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “syllabus” as a plural form. Remember that “syllabus” is singular, and you should use either “syllabi” or “syllabuses” when referring to more than one syllabus.
Another mistake is incorrectly applying the Latin pluralization rule to other nouns that do not follow this pattern. For example, “bus” does not become “bii.” The correct plural form is “buses.”
Finally, some writers may use “syllabuseses,” which is an incorrect hypercorrection. The correct plural forms are only “syllabi” and “syllabuses.”
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
The table below highlights some common mistakes and provides the correct alternatives.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The professor distributed the syllabus. | The professor distributed the syllabi. / The professor distributed the syllabuses. | “Syllabus” is singular; use “syllabi” or “syllabuses” for plural. |
| I reviewed all the syllabus. | I reviewed all the syllabi. / I reviewed all the syllabuses. | Use a plural form when referring to multiple syllabi. |
| The syllabuseses were helpful. | The syllabuses were helpful. | “Syllabuseses” is an incorrect hypercorrection. |
| Each course has a syllabus. | Each course has a syllabus. | Correct use of the singular form. |
| The syllabi is well-organized. | The syllabi are well-organized. | Use the plural verb “are” with the plural noun “syllabi.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the plural form of “syllabus” with the following exercises. Choose the correct form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct plural form of “syllabus” (“syllabi” or “syllabuses”).
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The department requires all instructors to submit their _______ before the semester starts. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 2 | I collected the _______ from all the courses I’m interested in. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 3 | The committee reviewed the _______ to ensure they met the university’s standards. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 4 | The professor handed out the _______ on the first day of class. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 5 | The library has a collection of old _______ for reference. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 6 | Please refer to the _______ for information about grading policies. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 7 | The instructors collaborated to create detailed _______ for their courses. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 8 | The university provides templates for designing effective _______. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 9 | The students compared the _______ to decide which courses to take. | syllabi / syllabuses |
| 10 | The registrar’s office keeps a record of all course _______. | syllabi / syllabuses |
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Sentence
Choose the sentence with the correct usage of the plural form of “syllabus.”
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | a) The professor reviewed the syllabus. b) The professor reviewed the syllabi. c) The professor reviewed the syllabuses. | b) and c) |
| 2 | a) I have three syllabus to read. b) I have three syllabi to read. c) I have three syllabuses to read. | b) and c) |
| 3 | a) The syllabuses is comprehensive. b) The syllabi is comprehensive. c) The syllabi are comprehensive. d) The syllabuses are comprehensive. | c) and d) |
| 4 | a) All courses have a syllabus. b) All courses have syllabi. c) All courses have syllabuses. | a) |
| 5 | a) The university requires detailed syllabus. b) The university requires detailed syllabi. c) The university requires detailed syllabuses. | b) and c) |
| 6 | a) The syllabus were distributed. b) The syllabi were distributed. c) The syllabuses were distributed. | c) |
| 7 | a) I found the syllabus helpful. b) I found the syllabi helpful. c) I found the syllabuses helpful. | b) and c) |
| 8 | a) The department head approved the syllabus. b) The department head approved the syllabi. c) The department head approved the syllabuses. | b) and c) |
| 9 | a) The syllabus provides a roadmap. b) The syllabi provides a roadmap. c) The syllabuses provides a roadmap. d) The syllabi provide a roadmap. e) The syllabuses provide a roadmap. | a), d) and e) |
| 10 | a) The registrar collects all syllabus. b) The registrar collects all syllabi. c) The registrar collects all syllabuses. | b) and c) |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to understand the broader context of Latinate plurals in English. Many English words are derived from Latin and Greek, and they often retain their original pluralization rules.
Recognizing these patterns can help you correctly pluralize other similar words.
For example, consider the word “curriculum,” which also comes from Latin. Its plural form is “curricula.” Similarly, “datum” (singular) has the plural form “data.” However, some Latinate words have also developed regular English plural forms, such as “stadium” (plural: “stadiums”) and “auditorium” (plural: “auditoriums”).
The trend in modern English is to simplify pluralization, often favoring the regular “-s” or “-es” ending, even for words with Latin or Greek origins. This explains why both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” are accepted, with “syllabuses” becoming increasingly common.
FAQ
- Is “syllabus” singular or plural?
Syllabus is singular. The plural forms are “syllabi” and “syllabuses.”
- Which plural form is more correct: “syllabi” or “syllabuses”?
Both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” are correct. “Syllabi” is considered more formal, while “syllabuses” is more common in general usage.
- When should I use “syllabi” instead of “syllabuses”?
Use “syllabi” in formal academic writing, scholarly articles, or official university documents where a more traditional or Latinate style is preferred.
- Can I use “syllabuses” in academic writing?
Yes, “syllabuses” is acceptable in academic writing, especially if you are aiming for clarity and simplicity. However, be consistent with your choice throughout the document.
- Is it wrong to use “syllabus” when I mean more than one?
Yes, it is grammatically incorrect to use “syllabus” as a plural form. Always use “syllabi” or “syllabuses” when referring to multiple syllabi.
- Do other words ending in “-us” follow the same pluralization rule as “syllabus”?
Some do, but not all. Many Latin-derived words ending in “-us” form their plural by changing the “-us” to “-i” (e.g., alumnus/alumni, cactus/cacti). However, many others take the regular “-es” ending (e.g., bus/buses, campus/campuses).
- What if my style guide doesn’t specify which plural form to use?
If your style guide doesn’t provide specific guidance, choose the form that you are most comfortable with and maintain consistency. “Syllabuses” is a safe choice if you are unsure.
- Is “syllabusses” a correct plural form?
No, “syllabusses” is not a correct plural form. The correct plural forms are “syllabi” and “syllabuses.”
- Are there regional differences in the preference for “syllabi” or “syllabuses”?
Yes, there can be slight regional preferences. “Syllabuses” is more common in British English, while “syllabi” is often favored in American English academic settings.
- How can I remember the correct plural forms of “syllabus”?
Think of other Latin-derived words that follow the same pattern, such as “alumnus/alumni.” Remember that “syllabuses” is a valid alternative that follows the standard English pluralization rule.
- Is it okay to mix “syllabi” and “syllabuses” in the same document?
It is generally not recommended to mix the two forms in the same document unless there is a specific reason to do so (e.g., quoting someone). Consistency is key to maintaining clarity and professionalism.
Conclusion
Mastering the plural form of “syllabus” is a valuable skill for anyone involved in education. While both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” are grammatically correct, understanding their nuances and usage contexts will allow you to communicate more effectively and professionally.
Remember that “syllabi” is generally considered more formal, while “syllabuses” is more common in general usage. Consistency is key, so choose the form you prefer and stick with it throughout your writing.
By understanding the structural breakdown, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with “syllabus” and its plural forms, you can confidently navigate academic writing and communication. Practice using both forms in different contexts to solidify your understanding.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone interested in grammar, mastering this seemingly simple word will enhance your overall language proficiency.
Ultimately, the goal is to communicate clearly and effectively. Choose the form that best suits your audience and the context of your writing.
With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use “syllabus,” “syllabi,” and “syllabuses” in any situation.