The Great Syllabus Showdown: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

If you’ve ever taken a course, taught a class, or even browsed a school website, you’ve probably come across the word “syllabus.” It’s a familiar term in education, but when it comes to its plural form, things get a little tricky. Should we say syllabuses or syllabi? It may sound like a small detail, but in the world of language and grammar, small details often spark big debates. And this is no exception.

At first glance, this might seem like a minor grammar quirk. But once you start looking into it, you’ll uncover layers of history, linguistic curiosity, and even a few heated arguments among grammar lovers and educators. It turns out this isn’t just a choice of style—it’s about how language evolves, what rules we follow, and how much Latin we really want in our everyday speech.

This article explores the meaning, origin, and plural forms of the word “syllabus,” diving into grammar rules, real-world usage, and expert opinions. Whether you’re a student, teacher, editor, or simply someone who loves words, you’ll gain a clear understanding of which form fits where—and why both are correct in their own way.

So, if you’ve ever hesitated before writing or saying the plural of syllabus, or if you just enjoy a good language mystery, stick around. We’re unpacking everything you need to know about this fascinating linguistic face-off—syllabuses vs. syllabi.

The Syllabus: Definition and Purpose

Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly is a syllabus?

A syllabus is a document that outlines what a course will cover. It typically includes the course objectives, a list of topics, reading materials, assignments, grading policies, and sometimes even classroom rules or attendance expectations. It’s like a roadmap that guides students through a course from start to finish.

Teachers create syllabuses to help students understand what’s expected of them. Students rely on them to keep track of deadlines and study schedules. Administrators may also use them to ensure consistency across departments. Simply put, a syllabus is an essential part of organized learning.

In some countries, especially in the United States, the syllabus is treated as a contract between the student and the instructor. It lays out not only academic expectations but also institutional policies such as those related to academic honesty and disability accommodations.

Whether in high school, college, or professional training, the syllabus helps learners stay on track and succeed. That makes knowing how to refer to more than one of them—correctly—pretty important.

The Plural Puzzle: Syllabuses vs. Syllabi

Now here’s where things get interesting. What’s the correct plural of syllabus?

Technically, both syllabuses and syllabi are accepted. But depending on where you are, what you’re writing, or who you’re talking to, one might be more appropriate than the other. Let’s break it down.

✅ Syllabuses

• This is the standard English plural.
  
• Formed by simply adding “-es” to the end of the word.
  
• It’s more intuitive, especially for those unfamiliar with Latin.
  

✅ Syllabi

• This is the Latin-derived plural.
  
• Some prefer this because it sounds more “academic.”
  
• It follows the rules for Latin words ending in -us becoming -i in the plural (like alumnus → alumni).
  

The reality? Both are grammatically correct. The choice depends on your audience, tone, and style preferences.

The Case for “Syllabuses”

Many language experts—and everyday speakers—lean toward “syllabuses.” Why?

1. Follows standard plural rules
   Just like buses, bonuses, or campuses, “syllabuses” adds a simple “-es.” No Latin knowledge required.
   
2. Easier to teach and understand
   Especially for students and ESL learners, “syllabuses” feels natural and consistent with English norms.
   
3. Preferred in modern writing
   Style guides like the Associated Press (AP) encourage using English plurals unless the Latin form is extremely common.
   
4. Common in digital platforms
   Search engines show that most academic websites and school portals use “syllabuses.”
   
5. Clarity over elegance
   In professional communication, clarity matters more than sounding classical.
   

If you’re writing for a general audience, publishing on a website, or aiming for clarity, “syllabuses” is usually the best bet.

The Argument for “Syllabi”

Still, many prefer “syllabi.” Here’s why this form still has strong supporters:

1. It sounds scholarly
   Let’s be honest—“syllabi” just sounds more academic. That appeals to professors, researchers, and lovers of classical language.
   
2. It respects Latin origins
   For those who value etymology, using the Latin plural feels more historically accurate.
   
3. Used by top universities
   Ivy League and prestigious institutions often use “syllabi” in course catalogs and academic policies.
   
4. Elegant and unique
   In professional or formal writing, “syllabi” adds a tone of sophistication that some audiences expect.
   
5. Still recognized in major dictionaries
   Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and others list both forms, but often show “syllabi” first in academic contexts.
   

So, if you’re writing for an academic journal, preparing a conference presentation, or addressing professors or scholars, “syllabi” may be the better fit.

Beyond the Binary: Other Plural Forms

Let’s step outside the standard box for a second. Are there other possible plurals of syllabus?

Technically, no. But language is playful, and people sometimes try their luck with strange hybrids like:

• Syllabusses (overcorrected, rarely used)
  
• Syllaboi (a humorous twist on Greek/Latin forms)
  
• Syllabim (fictional, used in satire)
  

While these aren’t proper words, they pop up in memes, jokes, or creative writing. They serve as reminders that language evolves and is often shaped by humor and innovation.

Still, in professional and academic settings, stick to either syllabuses or syllabi to avoid confusion.

A Linguistic Deep Dive: The Origins of “Syllabus”

Here’s the twist: “Syllabus” didn’t start as a Latin word. In fact, it was a mistake.

The word comes from a misreading of the Greek word sittybos, meaning a list or label. When scholars translated old texts in the 15th century, they misread it as “syllabus.” The mistake stuck—and eventually made its way into Latin-based English.

So technically, it never followed classical Latin rules to begin with!

That said, once it entered the language, it took on a life of its own. Over time, English speakers Latinated it, treating it like a standard Latin noun that could become syllabi in plural form.

This strange journey—from Greek to typo to English mainstay—makes “syllabus” a great case study in linguistic evolution.

Context Clues: Examples in Academic and Professional Writing

Let’s compare the use of each plural in real-world scenarios:

📘 Syllabuses

“The instructor uploaded updated syllabuses for all three courses this semester.”
— From a university’s student portal

“Please review the attached syllabuses before our training session.”
— In a corporate training email

📙 Syllabi

“Faculty must submit all syllabi to the department chair by the end of the term.”
— Academic policy handbook

“The committee analyzed the syllabi of over 200 introductory courses.”
— Educational research paper

🧠 Interpretation:

Use syllabuses when addressing students or general readers. Use syllabi in formal, institutional, or scholarly contexts.

The ‘-us’ Ending Dilemma: Not Just a Syllabus Problem

“Syllabus” isn’t the only word with multiple plural possibilities. Here are a few others that trip people up:

*Fun fact: “Octopi” is actually wrong—it mixes Greek and Latin rules!

These examples show how English often bends classical rules and favors practicality. It’s about what people actually say and understand—not just what’s “correct” on paper.

What the Experts Say

Here’s what major authorities have to say about our dilemma:

• Merriam-Webster: Lists both forms; recognizes “syllabi” as the traditional Latin plural, but “syllabuses” is common and correct.
  
• Oxford English Dictionary: Accepts both; “syllabuses” more frequent in modern usage.
  
• Chicago Manual of Style: Recommends “syllabuses” unless there’s a compelling reason for the Latin form.
  
• Associated Press Stylebook: Go with “syllabuses” for simplicity and clarity.
  
• Garner’s Modern English Usage: Notes that “syllabuses” is becoming the dominant form in most contexts.
  

In short, there’s no wrong choice, but the trend favors syllabuses for everyday communication.

Beyond Academia: Syllabus in Popular Culture

You’d be surprised where “syllabus” shows up:

• TV shows like The Simpsons, Community, and Glee mention syllabuses in school-related episodes.
  
• Comedians often joke about strict or confusing syllabi.
  
• Social media sees plenty of memes about students ignoring the syllabus or professors saying, “It’s in the syllabus!”
  

This shows the word isn’t locked away in libraries. It’s part of how we talk about learning in real life.

Synonyms and Alternatives: When You’re Tired of Saying “Syllabus”

Sometimes, variety is helpful. Here are a few alternatives to spice up your vocabulary:

These alternatives help avoid repetition, especially in long documents or websites.

The Verdict: Embracing Linguistic Flexibility

So, what’s the final word on syllabuses vs. syllabi?

Here it is: Both are correct. Choose the one that fits your tone, audience, and purpose. Use “syllabuses” when writing clearly and directly. Go with “syllabi” if you’re feeling formal or academic.

Remember, language is a tool—not a trap. It evolves with use, adapts to context, and reflects our shared understanding. Whether you prefer syllabuses or syllabi, you’re participating in the beautiful, flexible dance that is modern English.

Bringing It All Together: Usage Tips for Real-Life Writing

Let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t debating Latin in daily life. We’re just trying to write emails, create course content, or publish blog posts without sounding awkward. So here are some practical tips on when and how to use syllabuses or syllabi without overthinking it:

✅ Use “syllabuses” when:

• You’re writing for students, parents, or non-academic audiences.
  
• You need to be clear, straightforward, and easy to understand.
  
• You’re creating content for a school website, newsletter, or social media post.
  
• Your focus is accessibility and language inclusivity.
  

✅ Use “syllabi” when:

• You’re writing for professors, researchers, or academic publications.
  
• You want to maintain a formal tone.
  
• You’re preparing a conference proposal, curriculum development plan, or grant application.
  
• Your audience is used to or expects Latin-style academic jargon.
  

✅ Bonus Tip:

If you’re unsure which one to use, lean on consistency. Stick with one form throughout your document. Switching back and forth can distract readers or create confusion.

Fun Fact Corner: Syllabus in Numbers and Trends

Want to know what the world thinks? Let’s look at real-time data and trends:

• Google Trends shows that “syllabuses” has seen a steady increase in usage over the past decade, especially in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
  
• Online education platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy almost always use “syllabuses” in their help pages and course materials.
  
• Academic research databases such as JSTOR and ERIC have thousands of results with “syllabi” — which shows the term’s strength in scholarly writing.
  

In short, both terms are alive and well—but context is king.

How to Teach the Plural of Syllabus to Students

If you’re a teacher, tutor, or curriculum designer, you might find yourself explaining this to learners. Here’s a simple, classroom-friendly way to do it:

“Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct. ‘Syllabuses’ is the standard English plural and easier to learn. ‘Syllabi’ comes from Latin and is sometimes used in more academic writing. You can use either—but pick one and be consistent.”

Add a quick comparison chart on the board or in your handout:

Use real examples from class materials or even invite students to vote on which one they like better. It turns a grammar point into a fun class moment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though both plurals are right, there are a few traps to avoid:

❌ Mixing forms mid-sentence

Wrong: “The professor handed out syllabi and updated the other syllabuses.”
Better: Stick with one—consistency matters.

❌ Inventing non-existent plurals

Wrong: “Syllabusses” or “syllabim” (funny but incorrect in formal writing).

❌ Treating “syllabi” as the only correct choice

Some think “syllabi” is the more educated option. That’s not true—language isn’t a test of intelligence.

❌ Capitalizing unnecessarily

Remember, “syllabus” is not a proper noun, unless it’s the name of a specific document like “The IB Chemistry Syllabus 2025.”

The Bigger Lesson: Language Is Always Evolving

This showdown—syllabuses vs. syllabi—teaches a powerful lesson about English: it’s not static. It’s constantly shaped by how we speak, write, and share knowledge.

Many words have followed similar journeys:

• Data was once only plural (datum/data) but now widely accepted as singular.
  
• Media used to be plural of “medium,” but now it’s both.
  
• Agenda used to be plural (agendum/agenda), but who says “agendum” anymore?
  

So when people say “language rules,” remember: the only true rule is usage. If enough people use something clearly and consistently, it becomes accepted—even official.

That’s how dictionaries evolve. That’s how grammar books get updated. And that’s how language stays alive.

Want to Sound Smart? Use This at Your Next Meeting:

“Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct, but I’d recommend using ‘syllabuses’ in our public documents for clarity.”

Boom. You just saved your team a debate—and proved you’re the language expert in the room.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Flexibility of English

The truth is, language is about connection, not correction. Whether you’re a student filling out course forms, a teacher planning next semester, or a writer crafting curriculum materials, what matters most is that you’re understood.

And that’s the beautiful thing about English—it gives us options. We don’t have to choose just one “right” answer. We can choose what works best for our message, our audience, and our voice.

So go ahead. Use syllabuses or syllabi. You’re not breaking any rules. You’re participating in the living, breathing art of communication.

Bella Rae