What’s the Plural of Syllabus? Syllabuses or Syllabi?

When it comes to the plural form of “syllabus”, both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are accepted. The form “syllabuses” is in line with standard English pluralization rules, which involve simply adding “-es” to the end of the word. “This form is widely used in everyday speech and writing, particularly in non-academic contexts.”

On the other hand, “syllabi” is a plural form derived from Latin rules of pluralization. Some people consider “syllabus” as a Latin or Latinised word and hence pluralize it to “syllabi”.The same meaning is conveyed by Both ‘syllabuses’ and ‘syllabi’ convey the same meaning, and English speakers widely understand them, regardless of the form used.”

What is Syllabus?

A syllabus is essentially a course outline or a document that provides a summary of the topics that will be covered in an academic course

Here’s how we can break down the concept of a syllabus into 12 individual sentences, each providing a unique aspect of what a syllabus typically includes:

• Learning Objectives: The syllabus outlines the key learning outcomes that students should achieve by the end of the course.
• Course Schedule: “It presents a structured timeline for when instructors will cover specific topics throughout the academic term.
• Grading Policies: The syllabus specifies the grading rubric detailing how instructors will evaluate students’ performance.
• Academic Integrity Guidelines: It underscores the importance of academic honesty, outlining the consequences of plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct.
• Required Readings: The syllabus lists all the necessary textbooks and articles that students must read to fully grasp the course content.
• Professor Contact Information: It provides the contact details of the course instructor, including office hours for student consultations.
• Course Descriptions: The syllabus includes a comprehensive overview of the course, summarizing the main themes and topics to be studied.
• Assignment Deadlines: The syllabus marks the due dates for assignments, projects, and other coursework.
• Examination Dates: It informs about the schedule for midterms and final exams.
• Classroom Etiquette: The syllabus often outlines expected behavior in the classroom, including attendance and participation rules.
• Extra Credit Opportunities: If applicable, the syllabus mentions opportunities for extra credit to improve final grades.
• Resources for Assistance: The syllabus often includes information about available resources for academic support, like tutoring services or writing centers.

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Plural of Syllabus: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

The plural of syllabus can be either Syllabuses or Syllabi. 

Here are two sentences related to the plural form of the word “syllabus”:

• English vs. Latin Pluralization: The plural of ‘syllabus’ can be either ‘syllabuses’ or ‘syllabi’, with the former adhering to standard English pluralization rules by appending ‘-es’ to the end, and the latter following traditional Latin pluralization norms.
• Usage Context: Both ‘syllabuses’ and ‘syllabi’ are widely recognized and used in both US and UK English, allowing you to choose the one that feels most natural to you, although ‘syllabi’ is often seen in more formal or academic contexts.

Some Nouns ending with ‘-us’ and their Plurals

Singular Noun (Latin)	Plural Noun (Latin)
Alumnus	Alumni
Cactus	Cacti
Corpus	Corpora
Genus	Genera
Onus	Onera
Opus	Opera
Lupus	Lupi
Radius	Radii
Locus	Loci
Terminus	Termini

What about Syllaboi?

The term “syllaboi” might seem like a plausible plural form of “syllabus” due to the “-oi” ending, which is a common plural form in some Greek words. However, it’s important to note that “syllaboi” is not a widely accepted or used form in English. 

The more standard and accepted plural forms of “syllabus” are “syllabuses” and “syllabi”, with the latter following traditional Latin pluralization rules and the former adhering to standard English pluralization by adding “-es” to the end.

Origins of the Word “Syllabus”

• Early Misinterpretation: Initially, the word ‘syllabus’ was an incorrect transcription of the Latin term ‘sittyba’, a term that was used for a book label or table of contents, as seen in certain editions of Cicero’s letters from the 15th century.
• Unfounded Connection to Greek: The word ‘syllabus’ was erroneously linked to the Greek word ‘σύλλαβος’ (syllabus), which translates to ‘syllable’, likely due to the similar beginnings of both words, ‘Sylla-‘.
• Evolution to Contemporary Usage: Despite its initial misinterpretation, the term ‘syllabus’ persisted and gradually evolved to signify a document outlining a course of study, a meaning that resonates with its original Latin connotation of a ‘table of contents’. The first known use of the word ‘syllabus’ in this context dates back to the 1650s.

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Examples in Context (Singular and Plural)

Singular (“Syllabus”)

Here are 10 sentences 

• .The instructor distributed the syllabus for the course on the first day of class.
• I found that the course syllabus was detailed and well-structured.
• The professor asked us to refer to the syllabus for the reading assignments.
• I lost my syllabus and had to ask for another copy.
• The syllabus clearly outlined the learning objectives for the course.
• Our syllabus included a comprehensive list of required reading materials.
• The examination dates were specified in the syllabus.
• The syllabus provided the professor’s contact information and office hours.
• The syllabus clearly explained the grading policies.
• The syllabus included guidelines on academic integrity and plagiarism.

Plural (“Syllabuses”)

Here are 10 sentences using 

• The professor handed out the syllabuses for all his courses on the first day.
• We compared the syllabuses of two different classes to decide which one to take.
• The department requires professors to submit their syllabuses before the semester begins.
• The university uploaded the syllabuses for the year to its website
• Each of the syllabuses had a clear, detailed breakdown of the grading system.
• The syllabuses provided the necessary information about the exam schedules.
• Students often find it helpful to keep their syllabuses for future reference.
• The syllabuses clearly outlined the expectations and objectives of each course.
• The syllabuses included important details about assignment deadlines and course materials.
• We reviewed the syllabuses for all courses in the program for consistency.

Plural (“Syllabi”)

Here are 10 sentences

• The professor distributed the syllabi for the entire semester’s courses.
• We scrutinized the syllabi of several classes to determine the most interesting one.
• The department head often requires professors to submit their syllabi before the start of the academic year.
• The university made the syllabi for all the courses available on its online platform.
• Each of the syllabi had an explicit and detailed outline of the grading scheme.
• The syllabi provided all the necessary details about the schedule of examinations.
• Students generally find it useful to retain their syllabi for reference in future semesters.
• The respective syllabi clearly state the learning objectives of each course.
• The syllabi contained pertinent information about the deadlines for assignments and the required course materials.
• We reviewed the syllabi for all modules in the degree program to ensure uniformity.

Synonyms for the Word “Syllabus”

Formal:

Here are 10 formal words:

1. Protocol
2. Eloquence
3. Diplomacy
4. Affluent
5. Hypothesis
6. Eminent
7. Constitution
8. Discrepancy
9. Innovation
10. Reconciliation

Informal (use with caution):

1. Y’all
2. Chillax
3. Selfie
4. Frenemy
5. Bromance
6. Hangry
7. Mansplain
8. Facepalm
9. Ghosting
10. Bingeable

FAQ” S

What is the plural of syllabus? 

The plural of the syllabus can be either ‘syllabuses’ or ‘syllabi’.

What is the origin of the word ‘syllabus’? 

The word ‘syllabus’ originates from the Latin word ‘sittyba’, which was a label for a book or a parchment.

What are some synonyms for ‘syllabus’? 

Some synonyms for ‘syllabus’ include ‘curriculum’, ‘course outline’, ‘course guide’, and ‘course roadmap’.

What is the plural of ‘radius’? 

The plural of ‘radius’ is ‘radii’.

What is the plural of ‘octopus’?

The plural of ‘octopus’ is ‘octopuses’.

Conclusion

Understanding the plural of ‘syllabus’ can be a fascinating exploration of language, revealing the influences of Latin roots on English words. Whether ‘syllabuses’ or ‘syllabi’ are chosen by you, the knowledge to use these terms correctly in academic discussions is now equipped with you.