Truth is, you may likely have used the singular form with ease. But when it comes to a flock of syllabi (or is it syllabuses? Well, this article is set to take you along the journey of discovering the past tense of “syllabus”.
First, let’s rewind a bit. “Syllabus” itself is a sneaky little word. It pretends to have Latin roots, strutting around with that fancy “-us” ending. But the truth is, it’s a bit of a poser.
It sprung from a misreading of a medieval document, where “sittyba” (meaning “a list”) got a makeover into the more impressive “syllabus.” So, what does this mean for our plural quest?
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Contents
Well, we’re faced with two contenders
- Syllabi: This follows the “classical” Latin pluralization format, adding “-i” to the end. It sounds academic, authoritative, and perfectly fitting for those weighty stacks of course outlines.
- Syllabuses: Ah, the good old English way.
Adding “-es” is our bread and butter for forming plurals, and it certainly makes “syllabuses” feel more natural and approachable. And here’s the kicker: both are perfectly acceptable!
You’re not wrong no matter which camp you choose. The Oxford English Dictionary (the ultimate word nerd bible) even sanctions both forms.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Well, it boils down to a matter of preference and context. If you’re writing a formal academic paper, “syllabi” might be the safer bet.
For a casual chat with your classmates, “syllabuses” might feel more fitting. You could even mix and match, depending on your mood! Ultimately, the key is to wield this knowledge with confidence.
Dropping a casual “I printed out all my syllabi this morning” or regaling your friends with tales of “navigating the syllabuses jungle” – that’s where the true grammatical prowess shines.
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Here are some use cases of “syllabi”
Professors carefully craft their “syllabi”to outline expectations, assignments, and grading policies.
Students should review their “syllabi” thoroughly to understand coursework requirements.
The online course platform allows instructors to easily upload and share “syllabi” with students.
The national curriculum revisions resulted in significant changes to school “syllabi” across all grade levels.
Critics argue that standardized “syllabi” stifle creativity and teacher autonomy in the classroom.
Some educators are experimenting with flexible “syllabi” that can adapt to student needs and interests.
The two English literature “syllabi” share similar reading lists but diverge in their approach to critical analysis.
A closer look at the beginning
So, what’s the deal with “syllabus”? Well, it’s a Latin word that snuck into English centuries ago, all thanks to a little scribal slip-up. The original Latin word was “sittyba,” which meant something like “a collection of notes.” But somewhere along the way, someone mistook a squiggle for a “u,” and there, “syllabus” was born.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you choose “syllabi” or “syllabuses”, there’s no grammar police lurking in the shadows, ready to arrest anyone who gets it wrong.
That’s for the fact that both “syllabi” and “syllabuses” are legit, so use whichever one tickles your fancy. Just don’t go rogue and start saying “syllibusses” or “syllabies.” Trust me, that’s a one-way ticket to linguistic Siberia.