When writing academic papers, emails, or classroom materials, many people pause at one question: What’s the Plural of Syllabus, Syllabuses or Syllabi?
All three forms appear across education systems—but which one is correct, and when should you use each? This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is the Plural of Syllabus?
The noun syllabus refers to an outline or summary of the topics to be covered in a course. When pluralizing it, English gives you two acceptable forms:
1. Syllabuses
Syllabuses is the standard modern English plural and is widely used in everyday academic writing, especially in American English.
2. Syllabi
Syllabi is also correct. It comes from the word’s classical Latin form and is commonly used in more formal or traditional academic settings.
Both “syllabuses” and “syllabi” are correct plurals of “syllabus.”
Your choice depends on style preference, audience, or your institution’s guidelines.
Related: When To Use Hyphen
Why Are There Two Plurals?
To understand the debate around the Plural of Syllabus, Syllabuses or Syllabi, it’s important to look at the word’s origin.
Latin Origin
The term syllabus was borrowed into English during the 17th century. Scholars mistakenly believed it was a Latin word ending in -us, similar to focus → foci or alumnus → alumni.
This led to the plural syllabi being adopted.
Modern English Influence
As English evolved, many Latin-based words began receiving regular English plurals ending in -es.
This gave rise to syllabuses, which is more consistent with English grammar patterns.
Which One Should You Use—Syllabuses or Syllabi?
Both forms are correct, but the best choice depends on context:
Use “Syllabuses” when:
- Writing in American English
- Following modern academic style guides
- Writing for general or non-academic audiences
- You prefer a simpler, English-based plural
Use “Syllabi” when:
- Writing in British English or classical academic contexts
- You want a more formal or traditional tone
- Your institution prefers classical plurals
Quick Rule:
If your writing leans classical or formal → syllabi.
If your writing is modern and straightforward → syllabuses.
Examples in Sentences
Here are correct sentence examples using both forms:
Using “Syllabuses”
- The teacher handed out the course syllabuses on the first day of class.
- Different departments upload their syllabuses to the online portal.
Using “Syllabi”
- The professor requested that students review the updated syllabi before the semester begins.
- All syllabi must be approved by the academic committee.
Is “Syllabus’s” a Plural?
No.
Syllabus’s is the possessive form, not a plural.
Example:
- This syllabus’s requirements are strict.
The plural possessive forms are:
- syllabuses’ requirements
- syllabi’s structure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Syllabus’ as a plural
– Incorrect. It can only be a possessive form (syllabus’ = belonging to one syllabus).
Syllabusses
– Incorrect spelling. The correct English plural is syllabuses.
Confusing plural with possessive
– Keep plurals (syllabuses/syllabi) and possessives (syllabus’s, syllabuses’, syllabi’s) separate.
Plural of Syllabus, Syllabuses or Syllabi — Which Is More Common?
A look at usage patterns helps answer this:
- In American English, “syllabuses” appears more frequently in textbooks, official documents, and school websites.
- In British English, both forms appear, but “syllabi” remains slightly more common in formal academia.
- In global English, both are widely accepted, making the keyword Plural of Syllabus, Syllabuses or Syllabi increasingly searched by students and educators.
Quick Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Used In | Example |
| Syllabuses | Modern English plural | Schools, universities, American English | The new syllabuses were uploaded online. |
| Syllabi | Classical Latin plural | Classical studies, formal academia | Professors revised the course syllabi. |
Conclusion
What’s the Plural of Syllabus, Syllabuses or Syllabi?Syllabuses is the modern, widely used English plural.Syllabi is the traditional, classical plural from Latin.
Your choice depends on whether you prefer a modern English style or classical academic tone. Regardless of which one you use, both forms are grammatically correct and accepted worldwide.
If you’re writing academic content, the safest approach is to check your institution’s style guide, but in general, either plural is perfectly acceptable.
