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

When you hear the word “syllabus”, what comes to mind? A crisp stack of printed pages handed out by your professor on the first day of class?

A PDF shared in your online course portal? Imagine needing more than one of these essential course documents. At that point, you might pause and wonder: “What’s the plural of syllabus? Syllabuses or syllabi?” If you’re confused, you’re not alone.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through the correct usage, etymology, and real-life scenarios involving the word “syllabus” and its plural forms. Whether you’re a student, educator, or language enthusiast, this article will help clarify one of those sneaky cases of English grammar confusion.

What is Syllabus?

The term syllabus refers to a document outlining the contents, objectives, and schedule of a course. It’s a crucial educational document that helps students understand what will be taught, how they will be evaluated, and what materials they’ll need.

Put simply, a syllabus is your academic roadmap. It defines the structure and content of a course, including reading lists, assignment deadlines, exam dates, and more.

Example Email:

To: Jordan Mitchell
Subject: Request for the English 101 Syllabus
Hi Professor Mitchell,

Could you please send me the syllabus for English 101? I want to review the course outline before the first class.

Thank you,
Layla Carson

Plural of Syllabus: Syllabuses or Syllabi?

This is where things get interesting. You might hear “syllabuses” in one classroom and “syllabi” in another. So, what is the plural form of syllabus?

Both options are grammatically valid. However, they come from different traditions and are used in different contexts.

Syllabuses is the standard English plural.
Syllabi is a Latin plural, which is also accepted in academic settings.

Using either depends largely on personal preference, audience, and tone.

Some Nouns ending with ‘-us’ and their Plurals

Let’s explore other words that follow a similar pattern:

Singular	English Plural	Latin Plural
syllabus	syllabuses	syllabi
cactus	cactuses	cacti
focus	focuses	foci
nucleus	nucleuses	nuclei
alumnus	alumni	N/A

Understanding these variations helps illustrate the concept of Latin plural forms used in English. Since English borrows so heavily from Latin, confusion is common.

What about Syllaboi?

You might come across someone claiming “syllaboi” is the true plural of syllabus. Don’t fall for it. This is a grammar myth.

The term “syllaboi” is a mistaken attempt to apply Greek pluralization to a word that doesn’t require it. While it sounds scholarly, it’s completely incorrect.

In case you’re wondering, “Is syllaboi correct?” The answer is a definite no.

Origins of the Word “Syllabus”

Let’s dig into the etymology of academic terms like “syllabus.”

Interestingly, the word syllabus is believed to have originated from a misreading of a Greek word in a Latin manuscript. Scholars believe it comes from a corruption of the Greek word σιτύλλασις (sittylēsis), meaning a “list.” However, in Latin, it was adopted as syllabus—a label for a list of topics.

This unusual linguistic history helps explain why multiple plural forms exist.

This evolution fits neatly into broader discussions of language evolution and borrowing. Many academic terms are adapted from Greek or Latin—sometimes imperfectly.

Examples in Context (Singular and Plural)

To better grasp these terms, let’s see how “syllabus” and its plural forms are used in actual situations.

Singular (“Syllabus”)

To: Dr. Renee Carter
Subject: Confusion about the History 210 Syllabus

Hi Dr. Carter,

I was reviewing the syllabus and noticed that the grading scale is slightly different from what you mentioned in class. Could you clarify?

Thanks,
Martin Vega

Plural (“Syllabuses”)

To: Curriculum Committee
Subject: Review of Updated Course Syllabuses

Hello Team,

Please find attached the updated syllabuses for all first-year courses. Kindly review and provide feedback by Friday.

Regards,
Alexis Newton

Plural (“Syllabi”)

To: Academic Coordinator
Subject: Missing Syllabi for Spring Courses

Hi,

I’m preparing for the semester, but I noticed that syllabi for Physics 101 and Chemistry 120 are missing from the portal. Could you upload them?

Best,
Priya Das

Synonyms for the Word “Syllabus”

Formal:

Course outline
Curriculum plan
Module guide
Academic program

Informal (use with caution):

Class plan
Course guide
Lesson sheet

These alternatives can reduce repetition, especially in course materials terminology or academic vocabulary guides.

Conclusion

So, syllabus ka plural? The answer depends on context.

Prefer syllabuses for a modern English audience.
Choose syllabi if you’re aiming for a more traditional, academic tone.

Both forms appear in reputable sources such as the Oxford Dictionary. According to the Syllabuses or syllabi Oxford Dictionary, there’s no definitive rule—each is acceptable depending on tone and preference.

Regional usage can also be a factor. In American English, “syllabuses” is common. Meanwhile, the plural of syllabus in British English tends to favor “syllabi.”

This discussion ties into: