What’s the Plural of Curriculum? A Complete Guide
Ever wonder whether the word curriculum has a plural form? If you’re a student, teacher, or someone who often reads or writes about education, you’ve probably asked this question at some point. While it might seem straightforward, understanding the correct plural form of curriculum goes beyond just adding an “s” at the end. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about “what’s the plural of curriculum,” including common mistakes, usage tips, and more. Let’s dive in!
Introducing the Word “Curriculum” and Its Plural Forms
Before we jump into specifics, let’s start with the basics. Curriculum is a Latin-derived noun commonly used in educational contexts to describe a set of courses or program of study offered by an institution.
Definition of Curriculum
- A structured set of courses or a plan of study designed to achieve specific educational goals.
- A program that outlines what students are expected to learn.
Why Is Proper Pluralization Important?
Correct pluralization isn’t just about grammar. It helps you communicate clearly and professionally, especially when discussing multiple programs, courses, or educational plans.
The Correct Plural of Curriculum: Singular or Plural?
The short answer: The correct plural form of curriculum is “curricula”.
Why “Curricula” and Not “Curriculums”?
Most people tend to default to adding “-s” or “-es” to make nouns plural. However, curriculum is a Latin noun that follows a different pattern.
| Singular | Plural | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| curriculum | curricula | Latin-derived plural form, standard in educational contexts |
| curriculum | curriculums | Commonly mistaken, but less technically correct; acceptable in informal or American English |
In educational settings: “curricula” is the preferred term, especially in academic writing and formal contexts.
Explanation of Latin Roots and Usage Variations
Curriculum comes from Latin curriculum, meaning “a running, course, or path.” Latin nouns ending in -um often change to -a in plural form.
Latin-to-English pluralization rule:
- Latin nouns ending in -um → -a
Example: curriculum → curricula - Latin nouns ending in -us → -i (e.g., alumnus → alumni)
- Latin nouns ending in -a → unchanged (e.g., data, schema)
Note: While “curricula” is technically correct, “curriculums” is occasionally used in American English, but it’s less formal and less traditional.
When and How to Use “Curricula” Correctly
Let’s clarify this with real-world usage:
Examples of Correct Usage
- Singular: The curriculum for the new elementary school is comprehensive.
- Plural: The school district is reviewing several curricula from different schools.
- In sentences with multiple programs:
“Different curricula emphasize different teaching methods.”
Tips for Using Multiple “Curricula”
- Order: When listing, maintain consistency. Example:
The curricula include science, math, and social studies. - Parallel usage: Ensure all items follow the same grammatical pattern.
Variations and Related Terms
While “curricula” is the most common plural form, here are some related variations and terms:
| Term | Type/Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Singular | The curriculum was updated last year. |
| Curricula | Plural (Latin-derived, formal) | Multiple curricula are available for review. |
| Curriculums | Plural (informal/American English) | Several curriculums have been proposed. |
| Course of study | Equivalent, can be singular or plural | Our courses of study are diverse. |
Tip: Use “curricula” in formal, academic, or professional writing for clarity and correctness.
Why Knowing The Correct Plural Matters
Understanding and correctly using “curricula” isn’t just about grammar. It signals professionalism and attention to detail. It also prevents misunderstandings, especially in documentation, negotiations, or academic contexts.
15 Meaningful Categories of “Curricula”
- Academic Programs
- Professional Certifications
- Language Learning Tracks
- Vocational Training Plans
- Graduate and Postgraduate Courses
- Online Educational Content
- Standardized Testing Syllabi
- University Course Offerings
- Elementary and Secondary School Syllabi
- Special Education Curricula
- Adult Education Programs
- Adult Continuing Education Tracks
- Cultural and Language Nurture Programs
- Music and Arts Education Plans
- Sports and Physical Education Programs
Correct Usage with Multiple Instances & Proper Ordering
When discussing several curriculum plans, follow these rules for clarity:
- Keep the plural consistent: curricula.
- Use in parallel lists for clarity.
- Example sentence:
The university offers curricula in engineering, medicine, and law.
Forms of “Curriculum” with Examples
| Tense/Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Singular (present) | The school’s curriculum is very innovative. |
| Singular (past) | Last year, the curriculum was overhauled. |
| Plural (present) | Our curricula cover a wide range of subjects. |
| Plural (past) | The curricula changed significantly over the decade. |
| Adjective form | Curriculum development is a continuous process. |
Practice Exercises
1. Fill-in-the-blank
- The school has implemented several new __________ for the upcoming academic year.
- Teachers are reviewing the different __________ to decide which suits their classes best.
Answer: curricula
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistake:
- The department is known for its innovative curriculums.
Corrected: The department is known for its innovative curricula.
3. Identification
Is the following sentence correct? Why or why not?
- Multiple curriculum are being used across schools.
Answer: No, it should be “multiple curricula,” since “curriculum” in plural form is “curricula.”
4. Sentence Construction
Construct a sentence comparing two types of curricula.
Example: “The science curriculum is more hands-on than the mathematics curriculum.”
5. Category Matching
Match the category with the correct form:
- Elementary curriculum (Singular/Plural)
- Various curricula (Singular/Plural)
- School’s curriculum (Singular/Plural)
Answers:
- Elementary curriculum — Singular
- Various curricula — Plural
- School’s curriculum — Singular
Tips for Success with “Curricula”
- Remember that “curricula” is Latin-derived, formal, and preferred in academic contexts.
- Use “curriculums” mainly in American informal settings, but beware of sounding less professional.
- When in doubt, consult a style guide; “curricula” is always safe for formal writing.
- Practice by creating your own sentences involving multiple curricula to solidify understanding.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Using “curriculums” in formal contexts | Stick to “curricula” in academic or professional writing |
| Confusing plural forms for Latin nouns | Remember Latin rules: um → a (curriculum → curricula) |
| Not maintaining consistency in lists | Keep using “curricula” throughout your list for clarity |
Similar Variations and Related Terms
- Curriculum vitae (Latin phrase meaning “course of life”, used for resumes)
- Educational program (more generic, but often synonymous with curriculum)
- Syllabus (a single course outline, not pluralized as curricula)
- Program of study (alternative phrase for curriculum)
Why Is It Important to Use Correct Terminology?
Using the correct plural form enhances clarity and professionalism. It shows your attention to detail, especially when dealing with academic, administrative, or professional documents. Correct terminology also demonstrates your mastery of language nuances, increasing your credibility.
Final Words
Understanding what’s the plural of curriculum might seem simple, but knowing the correct term — “curricula” — ensures your language is precise and professional. Whether you’re discussing multiple educational plans or reviewing different programs, using “curricula” correctly sets you apart as a knowledgeable communicator.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep reviewing your usage, test yourself with exercises, and soon this will become second nature. Happy writing, and stay curious about the wonderful world of language!
Summary
In this guide, we've covered everything about the plural of curriculum — from Latin roots to correct usage, common mistakes, and practical tips. Remember, curricula is the proper plural form, especially in formal and academic contexts. Use it confidently, and you'll elevate your writing and communication skills.
Interested in diving deeper into English grammar? Keep exploring our other articles — and, as always, happy learning!