Which of the following options is a correct plural spelling?
A.
Datum
B.
Parenthesis
C.
Thesis
D.
Syllabi
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct plural spelling from the given options is:
D. Syllabi
Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Datum (Option A):
- The plural form of “datum” is “data.” “Datum” is a Latin-derived term used primarily in scientific and technical contexts. In Latin, “datum” is singular, and its plural form is “data.” However, in everyday English usage, “data” is often treated as a singular mass noun (e.g., “The data is conclusive”).
- Parenthesis (Option B):
- The plural form of “parenthesis” is “parentheses.” “Parenthesis” comes from Greek via Latin, and in Greek, it is used in both singular and plural forms. In English, however, the plural form is “parentheses,” used to refer to the pair of symbols ( ) used to insert additional information into text.
- Thesis (Option C):
- The plural form of “thesis” is “theses.” “Thesis” is also derived from Greek, and in Greek, the plural is “theses.” In English, this term refers to a proposition or dissertation, and its plural form is “theses,” used to discuss multiple dissertations or propositions.
- Syllabi (Option D):
- The plural form of “syllabus” is “syllabi.” “Syllabus” comes from Latin, and while English allows for both “syllabuses” and “syllabi,” the latter retains the Latin pluralization pattern. “Syllabi” follows the Latin rule where the suffix -us changes to -i in the plural form, similar to “alumnus” to “alumni.”
Understanding these plural forms helps in correctly using and understanding academic and technical terminology. English retains many words from Latin and Greek, often keeping their original pluralization rules, which can be a source of confusion but also enriches the language with precise terms. In general, for words borrowed from Latin or Greek, knowing the root language’s rules can assist in determining the correct plural form.