Understanding the Plural Form of “Erratum”: Rules, Examples, and Usage

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2. INTRODUCTION

Whether you’re a student, researcher, editor, or language enthusiast, mastering precise language is essential. One word you’ll often encounter in academic, legal, and publishing contexts is “erratum.” This Latin loanword stands for “an error,” usually in a printed or published piece.

Because it’s a classical term, its plural form follows Latin—not standard English—rules. Understanding the correct plural, “errata,” helps maintain professionalism and accuracy, especially when citing corrections or issuing notices in scholarly writing.

This in-depth guide will unravel the pluralization of “erratum”: its origins, rules, examples, and common mistakes. We’ll compare it to other Latin plurals, explore its use across contexts, and provide plenty of practice activities to solidify your understanding.

This article is perfect for:

  • Students and researchers preparing manuscripts
  • Editors, proofreaders, and publishers
  • Teachers and language learners
  • Anyone passionate about precise English usage

Expect a comprehensive, example-rich, and exercise-supported resource that demystifies “erratum” and its plural “errata.”

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1 What Is an “Erratum”?

“Erratum” is a noun that comes directly from Latin. The Latin root is errāre, meaning “to wander” or “to err.” The word erratum means “a mistake” or “an error.”

In English, “erratum” specifically refers to an error identified in a published or printed work, such as:

  • Books
  • Academic journals
  • Legal documents
  • Technical manuals

It is most often found in formal writing or in correction notices.

3.2 What Is the Plural of “Erratum”?

The plural of “erratum” is “errata.” This is the classical Latin neuter plural form. Unlike regular English plurals, which generally add -s or -es, Latin loanwords often retain their original plural endings, especially in academic or formal contexts.

Therefore:

  • One correction: an erratum
  • Multiple corrections: the errata

Note: “Erratas” is incorrect and nonstandard.

3.3 Overview Table: Singular vs. Plural

Singular Plural Meaning Example Usage
erratum errata one error “An erratum was discovered in Table 2.”
errata (n/a) multiple errors (list or collection) “The publisher issued a list of errata.”

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1 Latin-Origin Pluralization in English

Many Latin neuter nouns ending in -um form their plural by changing -um to -a. This classical pluralization is preserved in English with certain scholarly or technical terms. Here are some common examples:

Singular Plural English Meaning
erratum errata error/errors
datum data piece(s) of information
bacterium bacteria single/multiple bacteria
memorandum memoranda note(s), memorandum(s)
addendum addenda addition(s), appendix

4.2 Pluralization Pattern Summary

  1. Identify if the noun is a Latin loanword ending in -um.
  2. Replace -um with -a to form the plural (e.g., erratum → errata).
  3. Use plural verb agreement when referring to the plural form errata.
  4. Do not add an English plural -s; “erratums” is incorrect.

4.3 Function in Sentences

Singular: Use erratum when referring to a single error.

Plural: Use errata when referring to multiple errors or a list of corrections.

Here are example sentence pairs:

Singular Plural
The erratum was noted by the editor. The errata were compiled after printing.
An erratum was discovered in the abstract. The journal published the errata online.
This erratum corrects a typo in Figure 1. Several errata were submitted by reviewers.

4.4 Pronunciation Notes

erratum: /ɪˈreɪtəm/ (ih-RAY-tum)
errata: /ɪˈrɑːtə/ (ih-RAH-tuh)

Tip: Emphasize the middle syllable: RAY in erratum, RAH in errata.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1 Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In academic and publishing contexts, Latin plurals like errata are preferred. In informal speech or writing, simpler words like “error(s)” or “correction(s)” are often used instead.

Context Preferred Form
Academic journal erratum / errata
Science paper erratum / errata
Casual conversation error / errors
Email to a friend mistake / typo
Legal document erratum / errata
Blog post error / correction

5.2 Singular and Plural Usage in Practice

Use singular “erratum” when correcting one error:

  • “An erratum has been issued for the incorrect formula.”
  • “A small erratum was added to the appendix.”

Use plural “errata” when correcting multiple errors:

  • “All errata are listed at the end.”
  • “The publisher released errata for the textbook.”

Examples from real publications:

  • “Erratum: Correction to ‘Genetics of Disease’” (single correction)
  • “Errata for Volume 12, Issue 3” (multiple corrections)

5.3 Errata as a Document Type

Sometimes, “errata” refers collectively to a formal list of corrections published separately or inserted into a book or journal. This is known as an “errata sheet” or “errata page.”

In academic publishing, errata sheets usually:

  • Appear at the beginning or end of the publication
  • List all known errors and their corrections
  • Use a formal structure, sometimes with headings or tables

Corrigenda is a related term meaning “things to be corrected,” often for future editions.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1 Singular Usage Examples

  1. An erratum has been added to correct the author’s affiliation.
  2. We published an erratum for the mislabeled axis in Figure 3.
  3. One significant erratum was discovered post-publication.
  4. The erratum clarifies the dosage recommendations.
  5. An erratum was necessary due to a typographical error.
  6. The court issued an erratum in the judgment record.
  7. They submitted an erratum to fix the reference citation.
  8. Our team noticed an erratum in the data analysis.
  9. This erratum addresses the incorrect date in the report.
  10. The journal included an erratum to amend the abstract.

6.2 Plural Usage Examples

  1. The publisher released a list of errata for the first edition.
  2. All known errata are documented on the journal’s website.
  3. The author corrected several errata before reprinting.
  4. These errata include errors in tables and figures.
  5. Multiple errata were identified during peer review.
  6. The conference proceedings contain a page of errata.
  7. Several errata relate to units of measurement.
  8. The technical manual’s errata were updated last month.
  9. We consulted the errata before citing the source.
  10. The library’s copy has an insert listing errata.
  11. Most errata are minor and do not affect conclusions.
  12. The editor compiled all errata into a single file.
  13. The errata address formatting and factual mistakes.
  14. All errata were approved by the editorial board.
  15. The software documentation’s errata were recently published.

6.3 Singular vs. Plural Comparison Table

Singular Example Plural Example
An erratum was found in the footnotes. The journal issued a list of errata last week.
This erratum affects the conclusion section. Multiple errata were discovered post-publication.
The erratum is minor and does not alter results. The errata include corrections to tables and charts.

6.4 Erratum and Errata in Academic Notices

Academic journals often use standardized language in correction notices. Examples include:

  • “Erratum: The author’s name was misspelled in the original publication.”
  • “Please note the following errata for Volume 45, Issue 2.”
  • “The erratum addresses an incorrect data point in Table 4.”
  • “The following errata have been identified and corrected online.”
  • “An erratum has been issued to correct the funding statement.”

6.5 Incorrect Form Examples (Common Mistakes)

Incorrect pluralization or agreement is common. Here are mistakes and corrections:

  • Incorrect: “Three erratums were found.”
    Correct: “Three errata were found.”
  • Incorrect: “The errata was extensive.”
    Correct: “The errata were extensive.”
  • Incorrect: “An errata was added.”
    Correct: “An erratum was added.”
  • Incorrect: “The book contains many erratums.”
    Correct: “The book contains many errata.”
  • Incorrect: “One errata corrected a typo.”
    Correct: “One erratum corrected a typo.”

6.6 Additional Example Tables

Correct and Incorrect Forms

Incorrect Correct
erratums errata
an errata an erratum
the errata was the errata were
many erratums many errata
this errata fixes the error this erratum fixes the error

Contextual Usage by Field

Field Preferred Term Example
Science erratum / errata “See the errata for updated data.”
Publishing erratum / errata “An erratum was issued yesterday.”
Casual writing error / correction “There was a typo on page 5.”
Legal erratum / errata “Erratum correcting case citation.”

Common Phrases with Erratum/Errata

Phrase Example
issue an erratum “The editor will issue an erratum.”
publish errata “The journal published errata online.”
list of errata “Please consult the list of errata.”
errata page “See the errata page for corrections.”
corrected in erratum “This error was corrected in an erratum.”

Erratum/Errata vs. Synonyms

Term Meaning Example
erratum a specific error correction “An erratum was published.”
errata list of multiple errors “Errata were added to the book.”
error any mistake “There was an error in calculation.”
correction action of fixing something “A correction was issued.”
typo typographical error “It was just a typo.”

7. USAGE RULES

7.1 Correct Pluralization Rules

  • Singular: Use erratum for one error.
  • Plural: Always use errata for multiple errors.
  • Never use erratums.
  • Use correct verb agreement (singular/plural).

Examples:

  • Correct: “An erratum has been added.”
  • Correct: “The errata are listed below.”
  • Incorrect: “Several erratums were noted.”

7.2 Agreement with Verbs

Because errata is plural, it needs plural verb forms:

  • Correct: “Errata are published on the website.”
  • Incorrect: “Errata is published on the website.”
  • Correct: “An erratum was discovered yesterday.”
  • Incorrect: “An erratum were discovered yesterday.”
Subject Verb Example
erratum (singular) was / is “An erratum was issued.”
errata (plural) were / are “The errata were corrected.”

7.3 When to Use Latin Plural vs. English Alternatives

  • Formal writing: Use Latin plural errata.
  • Informal writing: Use errors or corrections instead.
  • Never pluralize with -s (erratums) in any context.

7.4 Exceptions and Gray Areas

  • In rare, informal speech, some may incorrectly use “errata” as singular (discouraged).
  • Academic and professional standards strongly prefer correct Latin pluralization.
  • Using “errors” or “corrections” is better for clarity in casual contexts.

Erratum/Errata and Corrigendum/Corrigenda are related but distinct:

Singular Plural Meaning Notes
erratum errata error(s) identified post-publication Common in correction notices
corrigendum corrigenda things to be corrected (future) More formal; less common

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1 Using “Erratums” as the Plural

Incorrect: “Several erratums were noted.”
Correct: “Several errata were noted.”

8.2 Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement

Incorrect: “The errata was missing.”
Correct: “The errata were missing.”

8.3 Confusing “Errata” as Singular

Incorrect: “An errata was found.”
Correct: “An erratum was found.”

8.4 Misusing in Context

Incorrect: “The author added an erratum for all errors.”
Correct: “The author added errata for all errors.”

8.5 Overusing or Avoiding Latin Forms

  • In informal writing, prefer “errors” or “corrections.”
  • Do not create Latin plurals for unrelated words.

8.6 Summary Table: Incorrect vs. Correct

Incorrect Correct
Three erratums were published. Three errata were published.
An errata was attached at the back. An erratum was attached at the back.
The errata was extensive. The errata were extensive.
One errata corrected the mistake. One erratum corrected the mistake.
Several erratums were overlooked. Several errata were overlooked.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank (Answers below)

  1. An ________ was issued to correct the author’s affiliation.
  2. The publisher released new ________ for the first edition.
  3. This ________ clarifies the data collection process.
  4. All ________ are listed in the appendix.
  5. One significant ________ was discovered last month.
  6. The journal posted several ________ online.
  7. Our team submitted an ________ about the methods section.
  8. Multiple ________ were found after publication.
  9. The editor added an ________ for the incorrect figure caption.
  10. Please check the ________ before citing the article.

Answer Key:

  1. erratum
  2. errata
  3. erratum
  4. errata
  5. erratum
  6. errata
  7. erratum
  8. errata
  9. erratum
  10. errata

9.2 Correct or Incorrect? (with explanations)

  1. The errata was missing from the book. Incorrect (should be “were”)
  2. An erratum has been issued. Correct
  3. Three erratums were published. Incorrect (should be “errata”)
  4. The errata were extensive. Correct
  5. An errata was added yesterday. Incorrect (should be “An erratum”)
  6. The journal included errata at the end. Correct
  7. Multiple errata was discovered. Incorrect (should be “were”)
  8. This erratum corrects a typo. Correct
  9. The erratums were overlooked. Incorrect (should be “errata”)
  10. Errata are provided online. Correct

9.3 Pluralization Practice

Write the plural form of each Latin noun:

Singular Plural
erratum errata
datum data
bacterium bacteria
memorandum memoranda
addendum addenda
curriculum curricula
medium media
stratum strata
agendum agenda
millennium millennia

9.4 Sentence Construction (Sample answers)

Using “erratum”:

  1. An erratum was found on page 12.
  2. The editor issued an erratum for the misprint.
  3. One critical erratum affected the results section.
  4. The erratum clarifies the figure legend.
  5. An erratum corrects the author’s name spelling.

Using “errata”:

  1. Multiple errata were identified in the first draft.
  2. The errata are listed in the supplement.
  3. All known errata have been corrected online.
  4. The errata included factual and typographical mistakes.
  5. Before citing, check the errata on the publisher’s website.

9.5 Editing Exercise

Identify and correct the pluralization errors in this paragraph:

“The author issued several erratums after the book was printed. One errata was especially important because it affected the main conclusion. The errata was added at the end of the book. An errata clarified the funding source. All erratums is now available online.”

Corrected version:

“The author issued several errata after the book was printed. One erratum was especially important because it affected the main conclusion. The errata were added at the end of the book. An erratum clarified the funding source. All errata are now available online.”

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1 Latin Plurals in Modern English

Many Latin plurals survive in English, especially in scholarly contexts. Examples:

  • Medium → Media
  • Datum → Data
  • Bacterium → Bacteria
  • Erratum → Errata
  • Curriculum → Curricula

However, English increasingly accepts or prefers Anglicized plurals like:

  • Forums (instead of fora)
  • Memorandums (alongside memoranda)
  • Mediums (for spiritualists, but media for communication)

Always check style guides or audience expectations.

10.2 Errata vs. Corrigenda and Addenda

Term Meaning Common Use
erratum / errata error(s) found after publication Correction notices
corrigendum / corrigenda thing(s) to be corrected (future) Planned revisions
addendum / addenda additional material Supplements or appendices

10.3 Style Guide Recommendations

  • Chicago Manual of Style: Prefers Latin plurals (errata), especially in scholarly works.
  • APA (American Psychological Association): Uses “erratum” for single, “errata” for multiple corrections.
  • MLA (Modern Language Association): Recognizes Latin plurals; recommends clarity in correction notices.

Most guides recommend formal Latin plurals for correction notices and lists.

10.4 Historical Evolution

“Erratum” entered English in the early 17th century with the rise of printing. It has always referred to a printed error. “Errata” has been used since then for collective lists of errors.

Over time, usage stabilized with Latin plurals preserved in formal writing, while colloquial speech prefers “errors” or “mistakes.”

10.5 Register, Tone, and Audience

Using Latin plurals like errata can sound:

  • Professional, precise in academia, law, or publishing
  • Overly formal or pretentious in casual contexts

Adjust your usage based on:

  • Audience knowledge level
  • Formality of the document
  • Clarity and tone

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the plural of “erratum”?
    It is “errata.”
  2. Is “erratums” ever correct?
    No, never. The correct plural is errata.
  3. Can “errata” be used as a singular noun?
    No, “errata” is plural. Use “erratum” for singular.
  4. What is the difference between “erratum” and “error”?
    An erratum is a formal notice of a specific error, especially post-publication. An error is any mistake.
  5. Is “errata” countable or uncountable?
    Countable. You can say “several errata.”
  6. How should I list multiple corrections in a publication?
    Publish a formal list of errata or an errata sheet/page.
  7. What is an “errata sheet”?
    A document inserted into or attached to a publication listing corrections.
  8. What is the difference between “errata” and “corrigenda”?
    Errata are errors found post-publication; corrigenda are things to be corrected, often planned revisions.
  9. How do I pronounce “erratum” and “errata”?
    erratum: /ɪˈreɪtəm/ (ih-RAY-tum)
    errata: /ɪˈrɑːtə/ (ih-RAH-tuh)
  10. Are there other similar Latin plurals I should know?
    Yes: datum/data, bacterium/bacteria, memorandum/memoranda, addendum/addenda, curriculum/curricula.
  11. Should I use “errata” or just say “corrections”?
    Use “errata” in formal, academic contexts. Otherwise, “corrections” is fine.
  12. What verb agreement should I use with “errata”?
    Plural agreement: “Errata are listed,” not “Errata is listed.”

12. CONCLUSION

To summarize:

  • “Erratum” means a single published error.
  • Its plural is “errata,” following Latin rules.
  • Never say “erratums.”
  • Use correct singular/plural verb agreement.
  • In formal contexts, Latin plurals are standard; in casual writing, “errors” or “corrections” may be clearer.
  • Avoid common mistakes by reviewing examples and rules.
  • Consult your style guides and consider your audience when choosing terms.

Mastering such nuances improves clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in your English writing. Keep practicing, and you’ll confidently use “erratum” and “errata” correctly!

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