When it comes to academic writing or professional communication, one small word can create confusion—syllabus. Many writers, teachers, and students often stumble when trying to pluralize it. Should it be syllabuses or syllabi? This debate has persisted for decades, partly because both forms are technically correct. Understanding the difference is more than grammar nitpicking; it affects how professional, formal, or academic your writing appears.
Whether you’re drafting a course outline, preparing a report, or editing an academic paper, knowing which plural to use can enhance your clarity and credibility. In this article, we’ll break down the origins, usage rules, and best practices for the plural of syllabus. By the end, you’ll confidently know which term fits your context—without second-guessing.
Here’s what you’ll learn in detail:
- The definition and origin of syllabus
- The differences between syllabuses and syllabi
- Historical and linguistic background
- Regional and stylistic preferences
- Guidance from academic style guides
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Practical tips for choosing the right plural
- Real-world examples and usage in sentences
- FAQs and a quick reference cheat sheet
By the time you finish reading, pluralizing syllabus will no longer be a challenge.
Understanding the Word “Syllabus”
A syllabus is a structured outline of topics, lessons, and expectations for a course. It functions as a roadmap for both students and instructors. Typically, it includes schedules, learning objectives, assignments, and reading lists.
The term has an interesting history. It comes from Latin and Greek roots, originally linked to “list” or “table of contents.” Over time, it evolved into modern English as a standard term for educational planning.
Common contexts for using a syllabus include:
- Schools and universities – core course outlines.
- Online courses and e-learning platforms – module summaries.
- Professional workshops or corporate training – structured programs for skills development.
Correct spelling and pronunciation matter because educators, students, and publishers expect consistency. Misusing the word or its plural can reduce credibility in professional writing.
The Two Accepted Plurals: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi
When pluralizing syllabus, you have two accepted options: syllabuses and syllabi. Both are correct, but usage differs depending on context.
Here’s a comparison table:
| Plural Form | Usage Type | Notes | Example |
| Syllabuses | Standard English / everyday writing | More common in modern American and British English | “The professor handed out the syllabuses for the semester.” |
| Syllabi | Traditional Latin plural | Preferred in formal or academic writing | “The college approved the syllabi for all new courses.” |
Key takeaway: Both forms are correct. Your choice depends on audience, context, and tone. If you’re writing a casual email, syllabuses are acceptable. If you’re drafting an academic paper, syllabi might be more appropriate.
Historical and Linguistic Background
Understanding the history of the word helps explain the plural confusion.
- Syllabus entered English around the 16th century, borrowed from Latin.
- The Latin plural of syllabus is technically syllabi, following standard Latin pluralization rules.
- However, English speakers found syllabi unnatural in daily writing and created the anglicized plural syllabuses.
Over time, syllabuses became widely accepted in English-speaking countries. Linguists note that language naturally adapts foreign words to fit local grammar, which explains why both forms survive today.
Regional Preferences and Trends
Usage patterns differ slightly between regions:
- American English: Both forms are accepted, but syllabuses is slightly more common in everyday writing.
- British English: Syllabuses dominates casual writing, while syllabi often appears in academic or formal contexts.
Example from real-world usage:
- A search in academic journals shows that universities frequently use syllabi in official course catalogs.
- Online education blogs often default to syllabuses because it feels natural to general readers.
Modern style guides reinforce this dual acceptance, allowing flexibility while encouraging consistency.
Style Guide Recommendations
Here’s what major style guides say:
| Style Guide | Recommended Plural | Notes |
| APA (7th edition) | Syllabi | Academic contexts, formal reports |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Syllabuses or syllabi | Both accepted; consistency required |
| MLA | Syllabi | Academic papers |
| Oxford English Dictionary | Syllabuses, with syllabi as alternative | Everyday English accepts both |
Actionable tip: Always check the style guide when writing formally. Using the wrong plural in a research paper or publication can impact credibility.
Read More:Flounder vs Founder: Which One to Use?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned writers make mistakes with syllabus. Here are pitfalls to watch:
- Using “syllabus” as plural – Incorrect. Example: “The professor handed out the syllabus.” (should be syllabuses or syllabi)
- Mixing forms randomly – Stick to one plural in a document.
- Confusing similar words – Syllables are completely different. Don’t mix up syllables and syllabi!
Quick example of wrong vs right usage:
- ❌ “All syllabus were updated last week.”
- ✅ “All syllabuses were updated last week.”
- ✅ “All syllabi were updated last week.”
Consistency and attention to audience context are key to avoiding these errors.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plural
Selecting the correct plural depends on three factors: audience, context, and consistency.
- Audience: Are you writing for casual readers or academics?
- Context: Is this a blog, a course syllabus, or a research paper?
- Consistency: Pick one plural form and stick with it throughout your writing.
Practical tips:
- Use syllabuses for general, everyday communication.
- Use syllabi for formal academic documents.
- Avoid changing forms mid-document—it confuses readers.
- When in doubt, check the style guide.
Examples in Real Sentences
Here are practical sentences demonstrating each plural:
Using Syllabuses:
- “The school distributed all the syllabuses on the first day of classes.”
- “Teachers must review the syllabuses before the semester begins.”
- “Online platforms allow students to access syllabuses digitally.”
- “The committee revised the syllabuses to match curriculum changes.”
- “Parents often request copies of syllabuses for their children.”
Using Syllabi:
- “The university posted the syllabi for the upcoming academic year.”
- “Graduate programs require students to submit syllabi for approval.”
- “Syllabi often reflect the learning outcomes and assessment strategies.”
- “Faculty members discussed changes to the syllabi at the annual meeting.”
- “Professional development workshops include detailed syllabi for all sessions.”
Notice how syllabi often appears in formal, structured contexts, while syllabuses feels natural for general usage.
FAQs
Is “syllabi” outdated?
No, it’s still widely used in academic and professional contexts, especially in the U.S. and U.K.
Can I use both plurals in the same document?
It’s best to avoid it. Pick one form to maintain consistency and professionalism.
Which plural sounds more natural in spoken English?
Most people say syllabuses in casual conversation. Syllabi is more formal and academic.
Do other languages pluralize syllabus differently?
Yes. In French, it’s syllabus or syllabi, while in Spanish, it’s often programas de curso. English uniquely maintains both syllabuses and syllabi.
Should I follow the Latin form in academic writing?
Yes, syllabi is preferred in formal academic papers, but syllabuses is still correct if allowed by your style guide.
Conclusion
Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct plurals of syllabus. Your choice depends on context, audience, and tone. Casual or general writing favors syllabuses, while formal, academic, and professional documents often prefer syllabi.
Remember: consistency is more important than which form you pick. Always double-check your style guide, and when in doubt, use the form that aligns with your readers’ expectations.
By understanding the history, usage trends, and style guide recommendations, you can now confidently use either plural—without second-guessing. A little attention to detail can make your writing clearer, more professional, and more credible.
