Plural word for memorandum

Is memorandum singular or plural?

The definition of memorandum is actually the singular of the word, and it represents one single iteration of that informal written record.  A more informal version of the word memorandum is “memo”.  However, since the word derives from the Latin (which will be discussed later), its plural memoranda rather than memorandums is because of how Latin memorandum and other nouns are pluralized.  The informal, “memo”, is pluralized with a more modernized English pluralization, “memos”.  

Just like many other nouns in the English language, the plural can be the most difficult part to understand.  Many languages, like Latin, make pluralizing a word very simple with things like standardized noun declensions.  However, because English steals grammatical concepts from just about every other language, the pluralization of our words typically just derive from other languages as well.

On a short note: For example, the plural of “box” is “boxes”, but the plural of “ox” is “oxen”, not “oxes”.  While box comes from the Latin and Greek, the word ox is actually derived from German and Dutch origins, which explains why its pluralization is so different.  

What are the types of memos?

Here are a few brief examples of memos.

1. They can be used in terms of a transaction or to document research reports within a company’s accounting department.
2. Memos can keep track of progress by way of a progress report submitted to an executive at a board meeting.
3. Memos can be used as a written proposal for something new or to communicate an entrepreneurial dream. A memorandum of association is also important during the founding of a company. 
4. A memo can generalize communication in a standard way throughout an organization, making sure that everyone is on the same page, serving as an organization-wide internal communication. 
5. Memos are great for making official and unofficial requests both up and down the corporate chain of command.   
6. A memorandum of agreement or memorandum of understanding is just a formal agreement between two parties, and is often used in diplomatic communication

What does memorandum mean?

A memorandum is usually used in legal contexts, as represented by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Mayfield Handbook of Technical & Scientific Writing.  That handbook discusses a memorandum as used in organizational and legal documents, saying that the memorandum (or memo for short) plays a crucial role in establishing a record of decisions, requests, responsibilities, results, and concerns.    

The History and Origin of the Word

The etymology, or word history, behind the word memorandum actually reaches as far back as ancient Rome.  The word “memorandus” is a Latin noun meaning “worthy of remembrance, noteworthy” which stems from the verb “memorare”, which translates to “to call to mind”.  The neuter of memorandus is actually memorandum, gerundive of memorare, which is the word that we get our modern “memo”, or memo-ran-dum, from. It also has Middle English roots, meaning to “to be remembered.”

Many words in modern English actually get their roots from ancient Latin and Greek, and sometimes, as in this case, they are actually not changed at all.  Ancient Latin scholars use the same word for memorandum that we do today, for almost the exact same purposes.      

Examples of the Word in Context

When trying to understand a word, the dictionary definition only gets you so far.  One of the more helpful ways to learn how to use a word properly is by learning its context and reading or hearing examples of how it is used in conversation or in writing.  Here are some great examples of the word memorandum being used in the right context.

• “Have you received the memorandum yet that outlines the new vacation policy here at the company?”
• “Who sent that email memorandum about the break room?”
• “Did we sign that memorandum with the construction company about the new addition?”

Here are some additional example sentence of the plural form, memoranda, being used in a sentence.

• “We keep track of expenses here by way of endless memoranda.”
• “If Tyler sends me another email, it will just go in the memoranda folder with the rest of the PDF’s that he decides we all need to read.”

And finally, the informal:

• “Those memos were supposed to be on his desk about three days ago!”
• “The executive board drafted several memos after the company was acquired.”

Synonyms for Memorandum

The last way to decide whether or not you are using a word correctly is to refer to a thesaurus substitute a synonym in its place to determine if the synonym fits as well.  Here are some of the most basic synonyms for memorandum:

• Directive: effectively means the same thing, but also is used to describe a more authoritative memorandum
• Notice: also has a very similar meaning and connotation, but is also used to describe things of a more forceful nature, often with time constraints (e.g. he received an eviction notice).

In Summary

If you have made it to the end of this short little article, then congratulations! You basically know everything you need to know to begin using the word memorandum in your vocabulary.  Memoranda are very versatile documents that are also extremely common in the business office world, and no matter what career path you pursue, you will undoubtedly come into contact with your share of them over the next few years.  And who knows, maybe now you will even be able to write them yourself as you advance in your career field. Good luck!  

Sources:

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorandum
2. http://web.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/memo.htm
3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/memorandum
4. https://thewordcounter.com/what-does-ps-mean/
5. https://thewordcounter.com/midnight-and-noon/
6. https://thewordcounter.com/blog-common-grammar-mistakes/

Last Updated:
12 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences

Memorandums vs. memoranda, which is the correct plural for memorandum? You will be surprised by the number of people who do not know the correct answer to this question. This article is perfect for you if you do not know the answer.

A memorandum is a written proposal or reminder for communication in a business. The plural form for memorandum is either memorandums or memoranda. Hence, both words are correct plural forms. However, «memoranda» is the most common yet the most misused. Many people use it as a singular word form.

Many people intermix the words «memoranda» and «memorandums» as the dictionary recognizes both as plurals for «memorandum.» However, there is more to discuss when it comes to these words. Read on to discover their meanings and definitions and the correct application in writing.

Definitions Of Memorandums And Memoranda

Linguists use «memorandums» and «memoranda» as plurals for «memorandum. However, the definitions below will shed more light on these words.

Definition of Memorandums

«Memorandums» is the plural for memorandum. A memorandum is a short written note that serves as a reminder. Refer to this word when describing a written record or communication in a business facility, like an office. In a sentence, «Your manager sent out memorandums for the meeting on Monday morning.»

Secondary definitions of memorandums

In the legal field, memorandums are short documents outlining the terms of an agreement. Memorandums are usually drafts leading to a formal or detailed contract. Thus, they are known as memorandums of understanding. For example, in a sentence, «The judge reviewed the memorandums of understanding before issuing a guilty judgment.»

Another definition for memorandums is «a writing submitted to a court by a party arguing an aspect of a case.» For example, «The court ordered the defense lawyer to produce the memorandums for reviewing.»

In business, memorandums are statements the consignors make about shipments of goods that the business may return. For example, in a sentence, «The memorandums are faulty because they do not state the date when the shipment will arrive.» Memoranda comes from the Latin Verb «Memorare,» meaning «to remember.»

Definition of Memoranda

Memoranda is an alternative plural form for memorandum. Memoranda are communications that contain directive, advisory, or informative data. For instance, «The memoranda called particular attention to the plight of the black community in conservative constituencies.»

Also, memoranda are informal diplomatic communication. For example, «The political party issued memoranda ahead of the elections.» Another definition for memoranda is brief communication written for interoffice circulation. For example, in a sentence, «The firm CEO sent memoranda to all employees in various departments.»

Linguists warn against using memoranda as a singular form for the word «memorandum.» Additionally, they condemn the use of plural «memorandas.» Besides this, the words «memoranda» and «memorandums» are equally frequently applied as alternative plural forms for «memorandum.» Therefore, it is up to you to decide which one you wish to apply in writing.

Traditionally, most people used memoranda as the preferred plural for «memorandum.» For this reason, many assume that «memorandums» is incorrect. However, a writer like Shakespeare used «memorandums» in his composition (Henry IV Act 3, Scene II).

At the moment, memorandums predominated as the plural for a memorandum. However, it would be best if you were wary about your audience when using this word in sentences. For instance, some audiences prefer memoranda over memorandums and vice versa.

You will also realize that some dictionaries still do not recognize «memorandums» as a grammatically correct plural form for «memorandum.» If you only follow a certain dictionary, it can get confusing with this word.

How To Properly Use Memorandums And Memoranda In A Sentence

Using a word in a sentence is easy once you know its meaning. However, understanding the contexts in which you can use the words and where to place them in sentences will also help greatly.

Make sure you are keen on words like «memoranda» and «memorandums» because they are plural word forms. Here are some guidelines to help you construct sentences with «memorandums» and «memoranda.»

How And When To Use Memorandums

The word «memorandums» is a noun. Nouns are words that provide a name to a place, object, person, or abstract idea or thought. According to English grammar rules, nouns either indicate sentence subjects or objects indicating verbs or other objects.

As a subject, the word «memorandums» should indicate the word that is «doing» or «being something.» For example, «The lawyer submitted several memorandums after the court ordered him to do so.»

As the object, the word «memorandums» should be the recipient of an action. For example, «Law students are taught how to write memorandums and turn them into full case briefs.’

How And When To Use Memoranda

Use this word when referring to the plural of a memorandum, a written reminder, or a document for communication in business offices. Like «memorandums,» this word is a plural noun. Therefore, the rules for using it in sentences do not change. 

Some nouns in English look like singular words but have plural meanings. Memoranda is an example of such words. Make sure you always remember this fact when using the word «memoranda» in sentences.

Here are some sentences to emphasize that:

• The company CEO has issued memoranda to all employees. (CORRECT)
• The company CEO has issued a memoranda to all employees. (INCORRECT)

Do you know that many people mistake and write «memorandas» as the plural for «memoranda?» Well, this is INCORRECT because memoranda is a plural whose singular form is «memorandum.»

Examples Of Memorandums And Memoranda Use In Sentences

The details above on how and when to use the words «memoranda» and «memorandums» should be enough to guide you through writing sentences using these words. However, they may be slightly complex if you are new to these words and do not understand English grammar basics. For these reasons, we have prepared the sentence examples below;

Example sentences of memorandums

1. The attorney signed a series of memorandums of agreements to advance the case and implement the programs.
2. The press leaked internal memorandums from the former president’s office that caused an uproar among the republicans.
3. I have read so many memorandums presented to this court and am more confused than I was at the beginning of the research.
4. The memorandums indicate the date of the meetings and the expected arrival times for all attendees.
5. The court subpoenaed the company to produce all its memorandums and financial documents during the court proceedings for the lawsuit.

Example sentence of memoranda

1. The British Museum displays a collection of Shakespeare’s diaries, correspondence, and memoranda.
2. The court indicted Alec Baldwin because of the evidence found in the memoranda he issued months after the incident.
3. As the King’s right-hand person, Martin writes all the memoranda to the staff and other correspondence from the royal family.
4. The nature of the memoranda indicated the tension among the company’s leadership over the newly filed lawsuit.
5. All law students are taught the procedure for writing and presenting memoranda of agreements to the parties involved.

Conclusion

Many English words have plural forms with multiple spellings. An example of such words is «memorandum,» whose plural form spellings are «memoranda» and «memorandums.» Thus, you can use both spellings in writing because they are correct.

However, most people prefer «memoranda» and not «memorandums» because it is the most commonly used by the media, writers, and law practitioners. Now that you know you have an idea about memorandums vs memoranda, which one do you prefer to use?

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