The English language frequently adopts words from classical languages, which often leads to confusion regarding how to form their plurals. When discussing formal documents or internal communications, the word memorandum is a prime example of a Latin loanword that retains its original pluralization patterns while also adapting to modern English standards. These types of nouns, which include memoranda, memorandums, curricula, addenda, and data, demonstrate the fascinating evolution of linguistic rules over time. Understanding the correct plural form of memorandum is essential for anyone working in legal, academic, or corporate environments where precision in writing is highly valued. Whether you are drafting a policy or citing historical records, knowing when to use the traditional Latin form versus the anglicized version ensures your communication remains both professional and grammatically accurate.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Etymology of Memorandum
- The Two Plural Forms: Memoranda and Memorandums
- Structural Breakdown of Latin Plurals
- Usage Contexts and Stylistic Choices
- Categories of Latin Loanwords in English
- Extensive Examples and Comparison Tables
- Comprehensive Usage Rules and Guidelines
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Practice Exercises and Knowledge Checks
- Advanced Topics: The Collective Singular Debate
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Definition and Etymology of Memorandum
A memorandum is defined as a written message or record used for internal communication within a business or organization. In a legal context, it refers to a document recording the terms of a contract or a brief filed in court. The term serves as a vital tool for documenting decisions, proposing changes, or providing information to a specific group of people without the formality of a full report.
The word originates directly from the Latin memorandum, which is the neuter gerundive of the verb memorare, meaning “to remember” or “to bring to mind.” Literally translated, it means “a thing to be remembered.” This etymological root explains why the word carries a sense of obligation or necessity; it is something that must not be forgotten in the course of business or legal proceedings.
In modern usage, the word is frequently shortened to the informal memo. While “memo” follows standard English pluralization rules (becoming “memos”), the full word “memorandum” retains its more complex relationship with its Latin heritage. This dual identity allows writers to choose between a formal, traditional tone and a more contemporary, accessible style depending on their audience.
The Two Plural Forms: Memoranda and Memorandums
In contemporary English, there are two accepted plural forms for memorandum: memoranda and memorandums. The choice between them often depends on the level of formality required and the specific field in which the writer is working. Both are considered correct by major style guides, but they carry different connotations.
The form memoranda is the traditional Latin plural. In Latin, many second-declension neuter nouns ending in -um change to -a in the plural. This form is widely preferred in academic, legal, and formal scientific writing. It suggests a high level of erudition and adheres to classical grammatical standards that have been part of English for centuries.
The form memorandums is the anglicized plural. It follows the standard English rule of adding an -s to the singular noun. This form is increasingly common in general business contexts and less formal writing. It is often seen as more natural and less “stuffy” than the Latin version. Many modern dictionaries list both, though they may note that memoranda is more frequent in formal contexts.
Structural Breakdown of Latin Plurals
To understand why memorandum becomes memoranda, we must look at the structure of Latin neuter nouns. In Latin, the suffix -um denotes a singular neuter noun. When these nouns are pluralized in their original language, the -um is replaced by -a. This is a consistent pattern found in many words that have migrated into the English language.
When English adopts these words, a “linguistic tug-of-war” often occurs. On one side is the prescriptive approach, which argues that we should respect the grammar of the source language. On the other side is the descriptive approach, which observes that English speakers naturally tend to apply English rules (adding -s) to all nouns regardless of their origin.
This structural evolution usually follows a predictable path: the word enters English as a technical term with its foreign plural; it becomes more common in everyday speech; an anglicized plural emerges; and eventually, the anglicized plural may become the dominant or even the only accepted form. Memorandum currently sits in the middle of this evolution, where both forms coexist comfortably.
Usage Contexts and Stylistic Choices
Choosing between memoranda and memorandums is rarely a matter of being “right” or “wrong” in a vacuum. Instead, it is a matter of register and audience. Register refers to the level of formality in a piece of writing. A high register (formal) calls for traditional forms, while a lower register (informal or standard) allows for anglicized forms.
In legal writing, memoranda is the standard. If you are writing a “Memorandum of Law,” and you refer to multiple such documents, using memoranda signals that you are well-versed in legal tradition. Similarly, in government white papers or high-level international diplomatic correspondence, the Latin plural maintains an air of authority and historical continuity.
In a standard corporate office, however, memorandums might be preferred to avoid sounding overly academic. If the office culture is casual, even the word “memorandum” might be replaced by “memos.” The key is consistency; a writer should not switch between memoranda and memorandums within the same document.
Categories of Latin Loanwords in English
Memorandum belongs to a specific category of Latin loanwords that end in -um. Understanding this category helps learners predict the plural forms of related words. There are several categories of Latin and Greek loanwords that behave similarly, and identifying them can significantly improve a writer’s vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.
Other words in the -um to -a category include stratum/strata, bacterium/bacteria, and datum/data. Interestingly, some of these words have evolved so far that their plural forms are now treated as singular collective nouns in common speech (like data), while others maintain a strict distinction between the singular and plural (like bacterium).
Extensive Examples and Comparison Tables
The following tables provide a comprehensive look at how memorandum and similar words are pluralized. These examples will help you visualize the patterns and understand the variety of Latin-derived nouns in English.
Table 1: Pluralization of Memorandum and its Short Form
This table compares the full Latin-derived word with its common English abbreviation to show how pluralization rules differ based on the word’s form.
| Singular Form | Latin Plural | Anglicized Plural | Contextual Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorandum | Memoranda | Memorandums | Formal / Academic / Legal |
| Memo | N/A | Memos | Business / Informal |
| Memorandum of Understanding | Memoranda of Understanding | Memorandums of Understanding | Diplomatic / Professional |
| Legal Memorandum | Legal Memoranda | Legal Memorandums | Judicial / Law Firm |
| Internal Memorandum | Internal Memoranda | Internal Memorandums | Corporate / Administrative |
| Policy Memorandum | Policy Memoranda | Policy Memorandums | Government / NGO |
| Research Memorandum | Research Memoranda | Research Memorandums | Scientific / University |
| Brief Memorandum | Brief Memoranda | Brief Memorandums | Functional / Descriptive |
| Historical Memorandum | Historical Memoranda | Historical Memorandums | Archive / History |
| Draft Memorandum | Draft Memoranda | Draft Memorandums | Work in Progress |
Table 2: Related Latin Nouns Ending in -um
Many nouns follow the same pattern as memorandum. This table provides 20 examples of such words, showing both their classical and English plural forms.
| Singular (-um) | Latin Plural (-a) | English Plural (-ums) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addendum | Addenda | Addendums | Books / Contracts |
| Bacterium | Bacteria | (Rarely) Bacteriums | Science / Health |
| Corrigendum | Corrigenda | Corrigendums | Printing / Editing |
| Curriculum | Curricula | Curriculums | Education |
| Datum | Data | Datums (Surveying only) | Science / Computing |
| Desideratum | Desiderata | Desideratums | Philosophy / Logic |
| Dictum | Dicta | Dictums | Law / Literature |
| Erratum | Errata | Erratums | Publishing |
| Forum | Fora (Rare) | Forums (Common) | Internet / Public Space |
| Gymnasium | Gymnasia (Rare) | Gymnasiums | Sports / Education |
| Medium | Media | Mediums (Spiritual) | Art / Communication |
| Millennium | Millennia | Millenniums | Time / History |
| Ovum | Ova | Ovums (Incorrect) | Biology |
| Podium | Podia | Podiums | Public Speaking |
| Referendum | Referenda | Referendums | Politics |
| Sanatorium | Sanatoria | Sanatoriums | Medicine |
| Spectrum | Spectra | Spectrums | Science / Light |
| Stadium | Stadia (Rare) | Stadiums | Sports |
| Stratum | Strata | Stratums (Rare) | Geology / Sociology |
| Symposium | Symposia | Symposiums | Academic Meetings |
Table 3: Usage of “Memoranda” in Sentences
This table demonstrates how to use the formal plural memoranda in various professional sentences.
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Legal | The attorney submitted several memoranda to support the motion. |
| Academic | The university archives contain memoranda dating back to 1920. |
| Government | The department issued three memoranda regarding the new tax code. |
| Corporate | Please review the memoranda from the executive board. |
| Historical | The memoranda of the peace talks were finally declassified. |
| Scientific | Laboratory memoranda indicate the experiment failed twice. |
| Diplomatic | The two nations signed several memoranda of understanding. |
| Administrative | Multiple memoranda were circulated to clarify the leave policy. |
| Journalistic | The leaks included internal memoranda from the tech giant. |
| Formal Writing | All memoranda must be formatted according to the style guide. |
Comprehensive Usage Rules and Guidelines
When deciding which plural form to use, follow these comprehensive rules to ensure clarity and professionalism. These guidelines are based on standard English usage and the preferences of major style manuals like the Chicago Manual of Style and the APA.
Rule 1: Know Your Audience. If you are writing for a legal or academic audience, memoranda is almost always the preferred choice. It demonstrates a respect for tradition and technical accuracy. If you are writing for a general business audience, memorandums or the shorter memos is usually more appropriate and accessible.
Rule 2: Maintain Consistency. This is the most important rule in any writing. If you use memoranda in the first paragraph, do not use memorandums in the third. Mixing the two forms within a single document makes the writing appear unpolished and suggests the author is unsure of the correct terminology.
Rule 3: Subject-Verb Agreement. Remember that memoranda is plural. Therefore, it requires a plural verb. For example, “The memoranda are on the desk,” not “The memoranda is on the desk.” Using a singular verb with memoranda is a common error that can undermine a writer’s credibility.
Rule 4: Use “Memos” for Brevity. In daily office communication, email subject lines, and informal notes, use memos. It is the most common plural form in the English-speaking world and avoids the potential pretension of memoranda or the slight clunkiness of memorandums.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers can stumble when dealing with Latin plurals. Here are the most frequent errors associated with the word memorandum and how to correct them.
The “Memoranda is” Error
Because memoranda ends in ‘a’, some writers mistakenly treat it as a singular noun, similar to “area” or “idea.” This is incorrect. Memoranda is plural. If you only have one document, use memorandum. If you have many, use memoranda are.
The Double Plural
Occasionally, writers will try to add an ‘s’ to the Latin plural, creating the non-existent word memorandas. This is always incorrect. You should use either memoranda or memorandums, but never combine the two pluralization methods.
Incorrect Back-Formation
Some people assume that because memoranda is plural, the singular must be memorandrum or memorandi. This is a misunderstanding of Latin roots. The singular is always memorandum.
Table 4: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The memoranda is ready. | The memoranda are ready. | Memoranda is plural. |
| I sent three memorandas. | I sent three memoranda. | Do not add ‘s’ to a Latin plural. |
| Each memoranda was signed. | Each memorandum was signed. | “Each” requires a singular noun. |
| Check the memorandum’s. | Check the memorandums. | Do not use apostrophes for plurals. |
| The memoranda of understandings. | The memoranda of understanding. | The object of the preposition stays singular. |
Practice Exercises and Knowledge Checks
Test your understanding of the plural forms of memorandum and related words with these exercises. Answers are provided at the end of the section.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form
Select the most appropriate word (memorandum, memoranda, or memorandums) for each sentence based on the context provided.
- The CEO requested a single __________ explaining the budget cuts.
- In the legal archives, we found several __________ regarding the 1954 case.
- Our office usually sends out weekly __________ to keep everyone updated.
- A __________ of understanding was signed by both prime ministers.
- The professor asked us to cite all the __________ we used in our research.
- I have one __________ left to write before the end of the day.
- Please file these __________ in the “Correspondence” folder.
- The board of directors reviewed the __________ submitted by the committee.
- He wrote a short __________ to his supervisor about the meeting.
- Are these __________ the most recent versions available?
Exercise 2: Subject-Verb Agreement
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
- The memoranda (is/are) currently being reviewed by the legal team.
- Every memorandum (has/have) to be signed by a manager.
- These memorandums (contains/contain) sensitive information.
- The memorandum (was/were) clearly written.
- Those memoranda (provides/provide) a clear timeline of events.
Table 5: Answer Key for Exercises
| Exercise 1 Answers | Exercise 2 Answers |
|---|---|
| 1. memorandum | 1. are |
| 2. memoranda | 2. has |
| 3. memorandums (or memos) | 3. contain |
| 4. memorandum | 4. was |
| 5. memoranda | 5. provide |
| 6. memorandum | N/A |
| 7. memoranda / memorandums | N/A |
| 8. memoranda | N/A |
| 9. memorandum | N/A |
| 10. memoranda / memorandums | N/A |
Advanced Topics: The Collective Singular Debate
In the world of linguistics, there is an ongoing debate about whether certain Latin plurals are shifting into “collective singulars.” A collective singular is a word that is plural in form but is treated as a single unit or mass noun. The most famous example of this is data. While data is technically the plural of datum, almost everyone says “The data is…” rather than “The data are…”
Does memoranda follow this trend? Generally, no. Unlike data or media, which refer to large, amorphous collections of information, memoranda refers to discrete, individual documents. Because you can easily count them (“I have four memoranda”), the word has resisted becoming a collective singular. However, in very rare informal contexts, you might hear someone use memoranda to refer to a bulk of paperwork, but this is still considered a grammatical error in professional writing.
Another advanced topic is the use of memorandum as an adjective. In phrases like “memorandum account” or “memorandum entry,” the word functions as an attributive noun. In these cases, the word never changes form, even if the noun it modifies is plural (e.g., “memorandum entries”). Understanding these nuances separates advanced writers from those who simply follow basic rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “memorandas” ever correct?
No, “memorandas” is never correct. It is a mistaken attempt to apply English pluralization (s) to a word that is already plural in Latin (memoranda). You should use either memoranda or memorandums.
2. Which form should I use in a business email?
For a standard business email, memorandums is perfectly acceptable, but most professionals prefer the shortened form memos. It is concise and less likely to sound overly formal.
3. Why do we have two different plurals for the same word?
This happens because English is a “living” language that borrows heavily from other languages. We keep the original Latin form (memoranda) out of tradition and technical accuracy, but we also create an English form (memorandums) to make the word fit our own grammatical rules.
4. Is “memoranda” singular or plural?
Memoranda is plural. The singular form is memorandum. Using memoranda as a singular noun (e.g., “This memoranda is…”) is a common mistake.
5. Can I use “memos” in a legal document?
It is generally better to avoid memos in highly formal legal documents. Use memoranda to maintain a professional and authoritative tone. However, in internal law firm communications, memos is common.
6. What is the plural of “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU)?
The plural is Memoranda of Understanding. Note that only the first word is pluralized, as it is the head noun. The plural of the abbreviation is MOUs.
7. Are there any other words like memorandum?
Yes, many. Words like curriculum (curricula), addendum (addenda), and stratum (strata) follow the exact same pattern.
8. Does the meaning change between the two plural forms?
No, the meaning is identical. The only difference is the “flavor” or “tone” of the word. Memoranda feels more formal and academic, while memorandums feels more modern and practical.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Mastering the plural of memorandum is a hallmark of sophisticated English writing. While both memoranda and memorandums are technically correct, your choice should be guided by the context of your writing and the expectations of your audience. Remember that memoranda is the traditional Latin plural preferred in formal settings, while memorandums is the anglicized version suitable for general use. The most critical rule is to remain consistent throughout your document and ensure that your verbs agree with the plural nature of these words. By paying attention to these small linguistic details, you enhance the clarity, authority, and professionalism of your communication. Keep practicing with Latin loanwords, and soon these classical plurals will become a natural part of your vocabulary.
