Both curricula and curriculums are correct plural forms of curriculum, but they are used in different situations. Curricula is the traditional Latin plural and is more common in academic, educational, and formal writing. Curriculums is the standard English plural and is acceptable in everyday English, especially in American usage. Choosing the right form helps your writing match the audience and level of formality.
What Does Curriculum Mean?
A curriculum is the complete set of subjects, lessons, or learning experiences offered by a school, college, university, or training program.
Examples:
- The school updated its science curriculum.
- Our university has a modern business curriculum.
When talking about more than one curriculum, you need a plural form.
Curricula vs Curriculums: The Main Difference
| Word | Meaning | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Curricula | Latin plural of curriculum | Academic and formal writing |
| Curriculums | English plural of curriculum | Everyday English and less formal writing |
Both words refer to more than one curriculum.
Examples:
- Universities often compare different curricula.
- Several schools have updated their curriculums.
Why Are There Two Plural Forms?
The word curriculum comes from Latin.
Many Latin words have kept their original plural forms in English.
Examples include:
- Criterion → Criteria
- Datum → Data
- Memorandum → Memoranda (or Memorandums)
However, English also allows regular plurals by adding -s to many borrowed words. That is why curriculums is also accepted.
When to Use “Curricula”
Use curricula when writing:
- Academic papers
- Educational research
- University publications
- Government education documents
- Professional reports
Examples:
- The committee reviewed engineering curricula from five universities.
- Different countries have different national curricula.
- Medical curricula continue to evolve with new research.
This form sounds more formal and scholarly.
When to Use “Curriculums”
Use curriculums when writing:
- Blog posts
- General websites
- Casual discussions
- Informal business writing
- Everyday communication
Examples:
- The district compared several reading curriculums.
- These online curriculums focus on practical skills.
- Parents can review different homeschool curriculums.
Many readers find this version easier because it follows normal English plural rules.
Which Form Do Dictionaries Prefer?
Major dictionaries recognize both forms.
Generally:
- Merriam-Webster lists both plurals.
- Oxford English Dictionary accepts both.
- Cambridge Dictionary also recognizes both forms.
Many style guides recommend choosing one form and using it consistently throughout a document.
British English vs American English
There is little difference between British and American English on this topic.
- Academic writers in both varieties often prefer curricula.
- General writers in both varieties may use curriculums.
The audience matters more than the regional variety.
Formal vs Informal Usage
| Situation | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| University research | Curricula |
| Academic journals | Curricula |
| Education conferences | Curricula |
| School newsletter | Curriculums or Curricula |
| Blog article | Curriculums |
| Everyday conversation | Curriculums |
Examples in Different Situations
School
- The district adopted new mathematics curricula.
- Several private schools changed their curriculums.
Office
- We reviewed employee training curricula before approval.
- The company updated its onboarding curriculums.
- Please compare the science curricula before Friday.
- I’ve attached three language-learning curriculums for review.
Social Media
- Which coding curriculums do you recommend?
- Modern university curricula should include AI literacy.
Everyday Conversation
- These online curriculums look interesting.
- College curricula vary from country to country.
Common Grammar Rule
The singular form is:
- Curriculum
Plural forms:
- Curricula
- Curriculums
Formula:
- One → Curriculum
- More than one → Curricula or Curriculums
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
❌ The university revised its curricula.
✅ The university revised its curriculum.
Why?
Only one curriculum is being discussed.
Mistake 2
❌ Several universities changed their curriculum.
✅ Several universities changed their curricula.
Why?
More than one curriculum requires a plural form.
Mistake 3
❌ Every school has different curricula.
✅ Every school has a different curriculum.
Why?
“Every” refers to each school individually, so the singular form is needed.
Mistake 4
❌ This curriculum are excellent.
✅ This curriculum is excellent.
Why?
The singular noun requires the singular verb is.
Similar Words with Latin Plurals
| Singular | Latin Plural | English Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Curricula | Curriculums |
| Criterion | Criteria | — |
| Memorandum | Memoranda | Memorandums |
| Formula | Formulae | Formulas |
| Appendix | Appendices | Appendixes |
English often accepts both the Latin and English plural forms.
Quick Tips
- Use curricula in academic writing.
- Use curriculums in everyday English if it sounds more natural.
- Both forms are grammatically correct.
- Stay consistent throughout your document.
- Consider your audience before choosing one form.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- The university updated its engineering ________.
- Researchers compared nursing ________ from ten countries.
- Several online learning ________ were reviewed.
- Every school follows a different ________.
Answers
- curriculum
- curricula
- curriculums (or curricula)
- curriculum
Explanation: Use the singular for one curriculum and either accepted plural for more than one, depending on context.
Multiple Choice
1. Which sentence is most appropriate for an academic journal?
A. Universities revised their curriculums.
B. Universities revised their curricula.
✅ Answer: B
Explanation: Curricula is generally preferred in formal academic writing.
2. Which plural is accepted in modern English?
A. Curricula
B. Curriculums
C. Both
✅ Answer: C
Explanation: Both are correct.
Correct the Mistakes
- The schools adopted a new curricula.
- Every college has different curricula.
- This curricula includes new courses.
Answers
- The schools adopted new curricula (or curriculums).
- Every college has a different curriculum.
- This curriculum includes new courses.
Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite:
“The university has many curriculum.”
Answer:
The university has many curricula.
or
The university has many curriculums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is curricula or curriculums correct?
Both are correct. Curricula is more formal and academic, while curriculums is common in everyday English.
Which plural should students use?
For school assignments and academic writing, curricula is usually the safer choice unless your teacher or style guide says otherwise.
Is curriculums wrong?
No. It is an accepted English plural found in major dictionaries.
Why do universities often use curricula?
Because it follows the original Latin plural and fits formal academic style.
Can I use both forms in one document?
It is better to choose one form and use it consistently.
Which form is more common in research papers?
Curricula appears more often in scholarly journals and educational research.
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Conclusion
Both curricula and curriculums are correct plural forms of curriculum. The difference lies mainly in style rather than grammar. Curricula is preferred in formal academic and educational writing because it preserves the original Latin plural. Curriculums follows standard English plural rules and works well in everyday communication. By considering your audience and keeping your usage consistent, you can confidently choose the form that best fits your writing.
