Appendices or Appendixes? Clarifying Usage

Appendices and Appendixes both serve as the plural form of the singular noun “Appendix,” but they are utilized in different contexts. An appendix in a book or document refers to an additional section providing supplementary information, while in anatomy, it denotes a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine.

The usage of “Appendices” versus “Appendixes” often depends on specific scenarios. In academic and research writing, “Appendices” are commonly used to denote multiple supplementary sections in a book or document. On the other hand, “Appendixes” find its application more in medical terminology, especially when referring to the anatomical appendix across various species.

What do “Appendices” and “Appendixes” Mean?

The terms Appendices and Appendixes both serve as plural versions of the word “Appendix.” However, their meanings can change depending on the context. In a book or document, they refer to additional sections that provide supplementary data or more detailed information to support the main text.

On the other hand, in the field of anatomy, “Appendices” or “Appendixes” refer to multiple instances of the organ known as the appendix. This organ, found in the human body, is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Whether you use “Appendices” or “Appendixes” can often depend on your choice of style guide or specific professional jargon.

Read more About Appendices or Appendixes? Clarifying Usage

Singular of “Appendices” or “Appendixes”

The singular form of both Appendices and Appendixes is “Appendix.” This word, stemming from Latin origins, has been incorporated into the English language and holds two primary meanings. In the context of written documents or books, an “Appendix” refers to a section containing supplementary information not included in the main body of the text.

In the world of anatomy, an “Appendix” is a small tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine in humans. It’s often a subject of study in medical and biological research. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with written materials or anatomical references, the singular form to use is “Appendix.”

Origins of the word ‘Appendix’

The word “Appendix” has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the term ‘appendere’, which signifies ‘to hang’. This nomenclature is reflective of the appendix’s physical characteristics in anatomy, where it hangs from the large intestine.

In a broader linguistic context, the word “Appendix” has evolved over the centuries, maintaining its Latin root while being adapted into various languages, including English. Today, it holds a dual meaning, referencing both a supplementary section in a book or document and a specific part of human anatomy. 

Why both “Appendices” and “Appendixes” are the Plurals of ‘Appendix’?

The existence of both Appendices and Appendixes as plural forms of ‘Appendix’ is rooted in the rules of pluralization in different languages. “Appendices” adheres to the rules of Latin pluralization, which often involves altering the word’s ending, in this case from ‘ix’ to ‘ices’, to denote multiple instances.

Conversely, “Appendixes” follows the more straightforward English pluralization rule, where ‘es’ is added to the end of words ending in ‘x’. Both forms are correct and widely accepted in the English language, but their usage can vary based on context, style guides, and regional preferences. It’s the diversity of English – a language rich in influences from various other languages – that enables such variations.

explore these Appendices or Appendixes? Clarifying Usage

“Appendices” or “Appendixes”: Where to use which one?

The terms “Appendices” and “Appendixes” are both correct plural forms of “Appendix,” but their usage depends on context and audience. “Appendices” is more common in formal writing, especially in academic contexts, where it refers to sections containing supplemental information that doesn’t fit in the main text.

In a research paper or dissertation, “Appendices” may include additional data, interview transcripts, or detailed explanations that support the main arguments but are too lengthy for the main body.

Here’s a table that outlines the usage of “Appendices” and “Appendixes”:

Term	Usage	Context
Appendices	More commonly used in formal writing, particularly in academic contexts.	In a research paper or dissertation, “Appendices” might include additional data, interview transcripts, or detailed explanations that support the main arguments but are too extensive to include in the main body.
Appendixes	Often used in less formal or more casual contexts.	In professional settings, “Appendices” might be the more appropriate choice, while “Appendixes” could be used in less formal situations.

Examples in Context

To understand the usage of these terms better, let’s look at some examples:

Appendix: (singular)

• The appendix, once inflamed, can pose a serious health risk and often requires immediate surgical removal, known as an appendectomy.
• During the operation, the surgeon ties off the inflamed appendix with stitches and removes it.
• If the appendix has burst, the abdominal area is washed out with salt water to prevent further complications.
• The surgical removal of the appendix can be performed through an open surgery or a laparoscopic procedure.
• In a laparoscopic appendectomy, a small camera is inserted through a port to help the surgeon disconnect and remove the appendix.
• The surgeon may make a small incision in the lower right side of the abdomen to remove the appendix.
• After removing the appendix, the incision is closed with stitches, and a small tube may be inserted to drain excess fluids.
• The removal of an inflamed appendix is typically an emergency procedure, often scheduled within 24 hours of diagnosis.
• An inflamed appendix can rupture within 36 hours of the first symptoms, making timely surgery crucial.
• Appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed, primarily due to the prevalence of appendicitis.
• After appendix removal, patients typically have a recovery period that varies based on the individual and the type of surgery performed.
• An appendectomy to remove an inflamed appendix is generally a safe procedure with a high success rate, despite its urgency and commonality.

Appendices  (in reference to a book or document): 

• Appendices are often used in academic writing to provide additional, nonessential information that might still be helpful for the reader.
• They typically come at the end of a report, research project, or dissertation, after the reference list.
• An appendix can include various information, such as raw data, interview transcripts, or detailed explanations too lengthy for the main text.
• In your paper, you can refer to an appendix without specific page or table numbers by using a general reference, like “As discussed in Appendix A.”
• Not every academic document needs an appendix; its inclusion depends on the research’s nature and the information to convey.
• A thesis or dissertation appendix can contain additional information to support your arguments.
• The appendices in APA-style documents are placed after the reference page and include information that doesn’t fit into the main text.
• An appendix is a supplementary document that aids your reader’s understanding of your research but is not essential to your main argument.
• Appendices can be used to describe the main ideas, arguments, themes, theses, or methodology, and identify the intended audience.
• They can also be used to explain the author’s expertise, point of view, and any bias they may have.
• Appendices can compare your sources on the same topic, highlighting their similarities and differences.
• Detailed guidance on developing and organizing a college-level research paper in the social and behavioral sciences includes effective use of appendices.

Appendices  (in reference to anatomy): 

• The appendices are small, pouch-like organs that sit at the junction of the small and large intestines.
• Surgeons often remove appendices when they become inflamed and painful, a condition known as appendicitis.
• Inflammation of the appendices is a common surgical emergency that can occur at any age.
• The appendices serve a minor role in the human immune system, especially in early life.
• If left untreated, inflamed appendices can burst, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called peritonitis.
• Appendices are typically removed through a surgical procedure called an appendectomy, either via open surgery or laparoscopy.
• The surgeon carefully disconnects the appendices from the large intestine and removes them from the body.
• After appendices are surgically removed, patients usually recover fully with no significant impact on their digestive system.
• The exact function of the appendices is still a topic of ongoing scientific research, although it’s known to house beneficial gut bacteria.
• In rare cases, appendices can develop tumors, although this is usually discovered incidentally during surgery for appendicitis.
• The surgical removal of appendices is a common procedure performed thousands of times daily worldwide.
• After the appendices are removed, the surgeon cleans the abdominal cavity to prevent infection and then closes the incision.

FAQ” S

What is the singular form of “Appendices” and “Appendixes”? 

The singular form of both “Appendices” and “Appendixes” is “Appendix”.

Why are there two plural forms of “Appendix”?

 “Appendices” follows the Latin pluralization rule, while “Appendixes” adheres to the English pluralization rule.

When should I use “Appendices” and “Appendixes”?

 “Appendices” is commonly used in academic and research contexts, while “Appendixes” is often used in medical terminology.

What does “Appendix” mean in a book or document? 

An appendix in a book or document is a supplementary section providing additional information or data.

What does “Appendix” mean in anatomy?

In anatomy, an appendix refers to a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine in humans.

Conclusion

Understanding the usage of “Appendix”, “Appendices”, and “Appendixes” can enhance your writing, particularly in academic and medical contexts. Remember, “Appendices” is preferred in academic writing, while “Appendixes” is often used in medical terminology. Always consider the context and audience when choosing which term to use.