When learning English vocabulary, some words can be tricky because they come from Latin or other languages and follow different pluralization rules. One such word is erratum. This term is frequently used in academic, publishing, and printing contexts to refer to a mistake or error in a printed work. Understanding the plural form of erratum is essential for correct usage, especially in formal or scholarly writing. Because it retains its Latin roots, the plural is not formed the same way as regular English nouns.
Meaning of Erratum
The word erratum comes from the Latin verb errare, which means to wander or to make a mistake. In English, it specifically refers to an error found in a published book, topic, or document. When publishers discover mistakes after printing, they often issue an erratum to acknowledge and correct the error.
Examples in sentences:
- The publisher released an erratum to fix the spelling error on page 45.
- Each erratum was carefully noted in the revised edition of the book.
The Plural Form of Erratum
The correct plural form of erratum is errata. This follows the traditional Latin rule where nouns ending in -um change to -a in the plural. While English has adopted many Latin words, some of them keep their original plural forms, and erratum is one of them.
- Singular: erratum
- Plural: errata
Examples of errata in sentences:
- The book contained several errata that were corrected in the second printing.
- A list of errata was included at the end of the scientific journal.
Why Errata and Not Erratums?
Because erratum is a Latin neuter noun, its plural form follows Latin grammar rather than English rules. Instead of adding -s or -es to make it plural, the ending changes from -um to -a. Using erratums is considered incorrect in formal English, especially in academic or professional writing.
This pattern is the same for other Latin-derived words such as:
- Datum → Data
- Curriculum → Curricula
- Medium → Media
Recognizing these patterns helps in understanding why errata is the accepted plural form.
Using Erratum and Errata Correctly
It is important to use the singular and plural forms accurately depending on the number of errors being referenced.
When to Use Erratum
- Use erratum when referring to one specific mistake.
- Example: An erratum was issued to correct the date on the title page.
When to Use Errata
- Use errata when there are multiple errors or when speaking in general about corrections.
- Example: The journal published a list of errata to address the issues in the previous edition.
Common Contexts for Errata
The term errata is commonly used in professional, academic, and publishing environments. You might encounter it in:
- Books: A list of errata may be included at the beginning or end to correct errors found after printing.
- Scientific Journals: Researchers often issue errata to correct data or clarify statements in previously published papers.
- Technical Manuals: Companies may release errata sheets to update instructions or fix typographical errors.
Pronunciation of Erratum and Errata
Pronunciation can vary slightly depending on region and style, but the most common are:
- Erratum: ih-RAH-tuhm or eh-RAH-tuhm
- Errata: ih-RAH-tuh or eh-RAH-tuh
Maintaining clear pronunciation helps emphasize the distinction between singular and plural forms in spoken English.
Erratum vs. Error
Although erratum and error both refer to mistakes, erratum is more specific to printed or published material. Error is a general term that can apply to any kind of mistake, whether in writing, speech, or action.
Examples:
- The scientist made an error in the experiment. (general mistake)
- An erratum was published to correct the chart in the journal. (printed mistake)
Modern Usage Trends
In modern English, some people use error or correction instead of erratum and errata, especially in casual contexts. However, in academic and publishing environments, the traditional terms are still preferred for their precision and historical usage. Knowing the correct plural form errata shows familiarity with professional standards.
Other Latin Plurals in English
Understanding erratum and errata can also help with other words borrowed from Latin that retain their original plural forms. Here are some examples to illustrate similar patterns:
- Agendum → Agenda
- Bacterium → Bacteria
- Stratum → Strata
These patterns reflect how Latin has influenced English vocabulary, especially in academic, scientific, and literary fields.
The plural form of erratum is errata, following its Latin origin rather than regular English pluralization rules. Erratum refers to a single mistake in a printed or published work, while errata refers to multiple errors or a collection of corrections. Using the correct forms ensures clarity and maintains formal standards in writing, particularly in academic, publishing, and professional contexts. By understanding the difference between erratum and errata, you can use these terms accurately and with confidence in both written and spoken English.