English is a complex language, and even native speakers occasionally become bogged down in its peculiar norms and exceptions. The plural form of the word “syllabus” is one such instance. It’s likely that you’ve heard the distinction between “syllabi” and “syllabuses” and wondered which is the right phrase. Are they “syllabi” or “syllabuses”? Or do both of these have a role in English?
In order to help you comprehend how syllabus plural forms are used in various settings, this article will dissect these two forms and offer examples.
Recognizing the Different “Syllabus” Forms
Let’s define the two choices before moving on to explanations and examples:
- Syllabuses: By simply appending “es” to the end of a word, this form conforms to the standard English convention for making nouns plural. In everyday speech and writing, particularly in broad circumstances, this is the most widely used form.
- Syllabi:The Latin rules govern this plural form. Some people prefer to use the classic Latin plural, which ends in “i,” because “syllabus” is a Latin word. In more formal or academic contexts, this style is frequently employed, particularly when talking about educational subjects.
Let us now look at each plural form in more detail and see when one might be better than the other.
Different Types of Syllabi and When to Use Each
Scenario 1: Emails for school using “syllabi”
Imagine that you are a teacher sending your students an email about the next term. Since this is a school setting, you should probably use the Latin plural form “syllabi.”
Subject: New Course Materials
To the Students:
I hope this message finds you well. It’s almost time for the new term to begin, so please look over the course outlines that are attached. Each syllabus tells you in great detail about homework, due dates, and books that you need to do. Make sure you know how the school works so that you can have a good semester.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.
Many thanks,
John Williams, Professor
In this case, “syllabi” works well in an intellectual setting, where Latin-based plurals are common. It has a more official sound and is often used in school settings.
Scenario 2: An office memo that uses “syllabi”
Now, let’s pretend that an office manager emails a group of coworkers about when training is going to happen. The word “syllabuses” might be better here because this is a more general working setting.
Subject: New Hires’ Training Plan
Hey everyone,
I’d like to share the lesson plans for the next training classes. Each syllabus lists the things we’ll talk about, as well as important due dates and resources. Before next week’s classes start, please take some time to read the papers.
Don’t be afraid to ask if you have any questions or need more information.
Best, Megan
The word “syllabuses” is more neutral in this case and would work better in the office. “Course plans” might sound more official, but this word doesn’t, so it sounds more casual.
Scenario 3: Having a casual conversation while using “syllabi”
Let’s say you’re talking to a friend about the classes you’re taking and going over the course plans.
Friend: “Hey, how’s your school year going?” “It’s going well!” I have already read through all of my class schedules. “So far, everything seems doable.”
The plural form “syllabuses” works here because the talk is casual and there’s no need to be correct.
Scenario 4: A formal academic paper that uses “syllabi”
You could use the more formal word “syllabi” to give your paper an academic tone if you are writing an academic paper about how educational development has changed over time.
For instance: “At many universities, syllabi have changed over time to include more digital parts that let students access course materials online.” Because of this change, information is now offered and accessed differently in schools.
“Syllabi” gives this writing an air of power and formality that is right for school.
Why Are There Two Plurals for “Syllabus”?
The difference between syllabuses and syllabi comes from where the word “syllabi” comes from. It comes from Latin, where words that end in “-us” often become plural by adding “-i” at the end. The plural form of “cactus” is “cacti,” and the plural form of “focus” is “foci.” This rule applies to many Latin words that are used in English.
But as English changes and takes on more words from other languages, it also changes these words to fit its own rules. For example, to make “syllabuses” plural, you just add “es” to the end of the word, which is how English words are usually formed. Many people use both kinds, but they are used in different situations.
A Brief Comparison Table of Syllabi and Syllabus
To assist you in determining which term is more appropriate in different situations, the following table lists the distinctions and applications of “syllabi” and “syllabuses”:
Academic and Formal Writing Context
- Syllabi: Handled out by professors for all courses.
- General Use or Casual Settings: Syllabuses read through for new classes.
- Workplace or Non-academic: Syllabuses distributed by HR department for new employee orientation.
- Academic Papers or Articles: Syllabi crucial in setting student expectations.
Comparing Syllabi with Syllabus: Which Is Better?
After discussing a few examples, you may still be unsure about which plural form to use.
- “Syllabi” are definitely your best option if you’re writing in a formal academic setting or talking about schooling in a scholarly way. This format is commonly used in academic settings and reflects a more refined, conventional tone.
- However, “syllabuses” can be a better option if you’re writing in a more informal, non-academic setting. Most readers will find it easier to grasp because it is more straightforward and adheres to the usual English pluralisation rule.
Conclusions Regarding “Syllabuses” and “Syllabi”
In conclusion, both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are appropriate; however, how they are used depends on the situation and tone you want to achieve. In formal or academic contexts, “syllabi” are preferred, although “syllabuses” are more frequently used in casual or non-academic writing.
In the end, the situation, the audience, and the degree of formality you wish to express are more important factors in choosing between syllabi and syllabuses than right or wrong. Understanding both formats will make you sound more natural and communicate more successfully whether you’re writing a research paper, emailing a coworker, or conversing with friends.
Keep in mind that while both syllabus and syllabi plural are frequently used, the one you use will depend on whether you want to write in a more official academic style or in a conversational manner.
You can successfully traverse the syllabi vs. syllabus controversy and always know which type to use if you keep these criteria in mind.
