English can be hard to understand, and even people who speak it every day get stuck on the rules and exceptions that make it special. One such word is “syllabus,” which can be used in more than one sense. You may have heard of both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” and been confused about which one to use. Should it be “syllabi” or “syllabuses”? Or do they both have a place in English?
This piece will explain the differences between these two forms, give you examples, and help you see how to use the plural forms of syllabus in different situations.
How to Use the Different Forms of “Syllabus”
Before we get into examples and reasoning, let’s make sure we understand the two choices:
- This form follows the standard English rule for making things plural, which is to add “es” to the end of the word. In everyday speech and writing, especially in general situations, this is the form that is used most often.
- Lessons: This form of the plural follows the rules of Latin. Because “syllabus” comes from Latin, some people like to use the correct Latin plural form, which ends in “i.” This form is often used in more official or academic settings, especially when talking about school-related topics.
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 sounds more formal and is often used in educational environments.
Case 2: An office memo that uses “syllabi”
Now, let’s imagine a scenario where an office manager is emailing a group of colleagues about training schedules. Since this is a more general, workplace environment, the term “syllabuses” might be more appropriate.
Subject: New Hires’ Training Plan
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share the syllabuses for our upcoming training sessions. Each syllabus outlines the topics we’ll cover, as well as key deadlines and resources. Please take some time to review the documents before the sessions begin next week.
If anyone has any questions or needs further information, don’t hesitate to ask.
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.
Case 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 is there more than one word 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. This rule applies to many words in English that come from Latin, such as “cactus” (plural: “cacti”) and “focus” (plural: “foci”).
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.
What’s the Difference Between Syllabi and Syllabus?
There are some differences between “syllabi” and “syllabuses,” and this table will help you figure out which one to use when:
Should you choose a syllabus or a syllabus?
You may still be wondering: Which plural form should I use now that we’ve talked about some situations?
- “Syllabi” is probably the best word to use when writing in an official academic setting or talking about education in a serious way. In the academic world, this word is widely used because it has a more formal and traditional sound.
- Should you be writing something less formal and intellectual, on the other hand, “syllabuses” might be a better choice. It’s easy for most people to understand because it’s shorter and uses the standard English rule for pluralization.
Conclusions about “Syllabi” and “Syllabuses”
To sum up, you can use either “syllabuses” or “syllabi,” but it depends on the situation and tone you want to get across. “Syllabi” is more common in formal or academic settings, while “syllabuses” is more common in daily speech and writing that isn’t for school.
In the end, it’s not a matter of right or wrong whether to use a syllabus or a syllabi; it depends on the situation, the audience, and the amount of formality you want to show. Both types of writing will help you communicate better and sound more natural, whether you’re writing a study paper, an email to a coworker, or a chat with friends.
Remember that both syllabi and syllabuses are commonly used, but which one you use will depend on whether you want to write in a more casual or formal academic way.
When people argue about whether something is a syllabus or a syllabi, these tips will help you feel strong and always know which form to use.
