Ever stared at your class schedule and thought—“Is it syllabuses or syllabi?” You’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a high school student, a college professor, or just trying to write a polished email, this little plural puzzle shows up more often than you’d think. And let’s be honest—English grammar doesn’t always play by the rules.
So, what’s the correct plural of “syllabus”? Is syllabi the “proper” term because it sounds more academic? Or is syllabuses actually the more widely accepted version in modern American English?Chances are, you’ve typed both into Google at some point: “Is syllabuses correct?” or “Do you say syllabi or syllabuses?“
The confusion comes from the word’s Latin origin, mixed with how American usage has shifted over time. But don’t worry—today, we’ll clear things up with real examples, explain the grammar rules, and show you how to use the correct word in school, work, or everyday writing.
Let’s break down the spelling, meaning, and right plural form of “syllabus”—and settle the debate once and for all.
What Is a “Syllabus”?
Let’s start with the basics.
A syllabus is a document that outlines what a course will cover. It’s usually handed out at the beginning of a semester or term, and it sets expectations for both students and instructors.
What’s typically included in a syllabus?
- Course title and instructor info
- Weekly topics or modules
- Reading assignments and due dates
- Grading policy
- Class rules and policies
- Exam dates and major deadlines
In short, the syllabus is your course game plan. It’s especially common in high schools, colleges, online classes, and professional certification programs.
What’s the Plural of “Syllabus”?
Here’s the quick answer:
✅ Both syllabuses and syllabi are correct plural forms of syllabus.
But depending on where you are, who you’re talking to, and how formal the situation is, one might be better than the other.
Let’s break it down.
Syllabuses vs. Syllabi: What’s the Difference?
Both words mean the same thing: more than one syllabus. But they have different tones and contexts.
Here’s a comparison:
Feature | Syllabuses | Syllabi |
Form | Modern English plural | Latin-style plural |
Tone | Neutral, straightforward | Slightly formal or academic |
Common in | Casual speech, American English | Academic writing, older texts |
Sounds like | “Courses” or “assignments” | “Alumni” or “curricula” |
Preferred by | Most students, schools, media | Scholars, academic circles |
So which should you use?
- In everyday American English, syllabuses is more common.
- In formal academic writing, syllabi may be preferred for tone or tradition.
But either way—you’re not wrong.
Pro Tip: Stick to one form consistently in your writing. Mixing both can confuse readers or look sloppy.
Why Two Plurals? The Grammar Behind the Confusion
The confusion around syllabuses and syllabi comes from how Latin and Greek words are absorbed into English.
English tends to follow one of two paths when pluralizing “-us” nouns:
1. Modern English Pluralization
Just add -es, like:
- Bonus → Bonuses
- Campus → Campuses
- Bus → Buses
2. Latin Pluralization
Change -us to -i, like:
- Alumnus → Alumni
- Cactus → Cacti
- Nucleus → Nuclei
But here’s the twist…
“Syllabus” isn’t even originally Latin.
In fact, the word syllabus came into Latin by mistake—more on that in a second.
That means both syllabuses (modern) and syllabi (Latin-style) are based on how people think it should be pluralized, not strict grammar rules.
What About “Syllaboi”?
Some people assume that because syllabus has Greek roots, maybe the plural is syllaboi (like phenomenon → phenomena, criterion → criteria).
That’s incorrect.
“Syllaboi” is not a real word in English. It’s a blend of Greek and Latin grammar that doesn’t follow proper rules in either language.
Stick with syllabuses or syllabi—never syllabi.
Origin of the Word “Syllabus”
Now for the fun part: etymology (word history).
The word syllabus actually began with a misprint.
Here’s what happened:
- In the 15th century, a scholar misread the Greek word “sittybos” (meaning “label” or “list”) as “syllabus” while translating a text.
- The mistake was copied and reused until it became the accepted spelling and term in Latin.
- Over time, it entered English as a word meaning a list of topics or a course outline.
So technically, the syllabus has no true Latin plural—because it wasn’t originally Latin!
But thanks to its “-us” ending, many people treated it like other Latin words and created syllabi as a plural. Meanwhile, English also formed syllabuses, following regular modern rules.
Both stuck.
Examples of “Syllabus” in Real Sentences
To understand how each form is used, let’s look at real-world examples.
Singular Use: “Syllabus”
- “The syllabus is posted on the university website.”
- “This course doesn’t follow a strict syllabus, but you’ll get weekly updates.”
Plural Use: “Syllabuses”
- “The school reviewed all the syllabuses to ensure consistency across departments.”
- “Digital versions of the course syllabuses are emailed to students.”
Plural Use: “Syllabi”
- “The department submitted their updated syllabi for approval.”
- “Students compared syllabi to choose the course with less reading.”
How to Choose the Right Plural in Everyday Use
If you’re unsure which one to use, here’s a simple guide:
Use syllabuses when:
- You’re writing for a general audience
- You’re speaking casually
- You’re following modern writing style
Use syllabi when:
- You’re writing an academic paper
- You want a more scholarly tone
- You’re following a formal style guide
And remember—don’t switch between them in the same paper or conversation. That inconsistency is more noticeable than you might think.
Case Study: What Do Real Schools and Professors Use?
Let’s take a look at what actual schools and institutions use on their websites.
Institution | Preferred Plural Term Used |
Harvard University | Syllabi |
Stanford University | Syllabi |
University of Florida | Syllabuses |
Community Colleges (US) | Syllabuses |
EdTech platforms (e.g. Coursera, Udemy) | Syllabuses |
Insight: Larger academic institutions tend to favor syllabi, while more modern or casual platforms lean toward syllabuses.
Synonyms for “Syllabus”
There are times when you don’t want to repeat “syllabus” too often, especially in longer writing. Here are some alternative words that fit, depending on the context:
Formal Alternatives
- Course outline
- Curriculum guide
- Instructional plan
- Teaching framework
Informal Alternatives (use with care)
- Class plan
- Weekly schedule
- Course sheet
- Handout
Note: In academic or professional settings, stick to formal terms. Slang or casual labels may seem unprofessional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “syllabi” still correct in 2025?
Yes, absolutely. “Syllabi” is still widely used in academic writing and remains acceptable in modern English.
Which plural should I use in essays or exams?
If you’re in high school or college, it depends on the formality. Professors might prefer syllabi, but syllabuses won’t be marked wrong. Just be consistent.
Is “syllabuses” grammatically wrong?
Not at all. It’s more common in American English and perfectly acceptable.
Why does English allow two plurals?
English is borrowed from many languages. That flexibility is both a strength and a challenge—especially with Latin and Greek roots.
Is “syllaboi” ever correct?
No. It’s not a recognized English word, and it mixes Latin and Greek rules incorrectly.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Feels Natural—But Be Consistent
So, what’s the final word on syllabuses vs. syllabi? Both forms are correct, but it really depends on your context. In modern American English, syllabuses is more commonly used and accepted, especially among students, teachers, and professionals. Meanwhile, syllabi is the traditional Latin plural and still finds favor in more formal or academic settings.
The key takeaway? Choose the form that fits your audience and purpose, and you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re drafting a syllabus for your class, writing a report, or just trying to sound sharp in conversation, understanding this subtle difference will give you confidence and clarity.
Remember, English is flexible—and knowing these little quirks helps you communicate like a pro. So next time someone asks, you’ll be ready to explain: it’s either syllabuses or syllabi, and both are right in their own way!

Mariah Cannon is the dedicated educator behind GrammerHome.com, committed to making English grammar clear, engaging, and confidence-boosting. With years of teaching experience and a passion for effective communication, Mariah specializes in breaking down complex grammar rules into bite-sized, easy-to-apply lessons.