In English, some words have roots in Latin and follow Latin grammar rules when they are pluralized. One such word is erratum, which is not commonly used in everyday speech but often appears in academic writing, publishing, and technical documents. Understanding how to form and use the plural of erratum is helpful for those working with books, scholarly topics, or printed material where corrections may be listed. This topic explores the meaning, correct plural form, and examples of how erratum is used in modern English.
What Does Erratum” Mean?
The word erratum refers to a mistake or error in a printed or written document. It is often used in the context of publishing when acknowledging that a mistake has been found in a book, topic, report, or other text after it has been printed or distributed.
For example, if a textbook has a spelling error or a factual inaccuracy, the publisher may issue an erratum to notify readers of the correction.
Origin of the Word
Erratum comes from Latin, where it literally means an error or a wandering. In Latin grammar, erratum is a neuter singular noun. Because of its Latin origin, it follows a specific rule for forming the plural.
What Is the Plural Form of “Erratum”?
The correct plural form of erratum iserrata.This plural also comes from Latin and is widely accepted in English, particularly in professional and academic settings.
- Singular erratum
- Plural errata
For example
- There is one erratum on page 43.
- Several errata were found in the first edition of the book.
Although errata is plural, it is often mistakenly treated as singular by some English speakers who are unfamiliar with Latin-based terms. It’s important to use it correctly to maintain clarity and accuracy in formal writing.
How “Erratum” and “Errata” Are Used
Both erratum and errata are used primarily in written or printed materials. You will often find them in publishing, science, academia, and documentation processes.
In Books and Journals
Books may include a page titled Errata near the front or back, especially if multiple corrections were identified after printing. Journals may publish errata in later issues when errors are found in previous topics.
Examples
- The publisher added a page of errata to correct mistakes found after the book was released.
- An erratum was issued to correct a misreported result in the study.
In Technical Documents
Software manuals, instruction guides, or technical papers may include errata to correct typos, missing information, or misstatements.
As a Header or Label
Sometimes, Erratum or Errata is used as a header for a list of corrections. For instance
- ErratumOn page 12, the word affect should read effect.
- Errata
- Page 5 – recieve should be receive.
- Page 10 – Incorrect formula replaced with the correct version.
Grammar and Usage Tips
To avoid confusion when using these terms, keep the following grammar tips in mind
1. Match Singular or Plural Verbs
Since erratum is singular, it takes a singular verb. Errata is plural and takes a plural verb.
- The erratum was corrected in the second edition.
- The errata were overlooked by the editor.
2. Avoid Using Erratums
Some English learners mistakenly form the plural erratums, following regular English plural rules. This is incorrect. Always use errata as the plural.
3. Use in Formal Contexts
While erratum and errata are appropriate in scholarly, legal, or professional writing, they may sound overly formal or unfamiliar in casual conversation. In informal speech, it’s fine to use words like mistake or error.
Difference Between Erratum, Error, and Correction
Though these words are related, they are not always interchangeable.
- ErratumA formal term for a specific mistake in a published text.
- ErrataA list of such mistakes or multiple individual corrections.
- ErrorA general word that can be used in any situation to describe something wrong.
- CorrectionThe act of fixing the error.
Example
- An error occurred in the data entry.
- The erratum stated that the figure on page 7 was inaccurate.
- A correction was issued in the next issue of the journal.
Examples from Academic and Publishing Fields
Let’s look at how erratum and errata are used in professional writing
Example 1 – Academic Journal
Erratum In the topic Climate Change Patterns, published in Volume 25, Issue 2, the temperature values in Table 3 were incorrectly labeled. The correct unit is degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit.
Example 2 – Textbook
Errata
- Page 34 – The equation should read E = mc² instead of E = m/c².
- Page 88 – The author’s name is misspelled. It should be Johann, not Johan.
When to Use “Erratum” vs. “Errata”
Use erratum when referring to a single mistake and errata when referring to more than one. If a correction note contains just one point, erratum is appropriate. If the note contains multiple corrections, errata is used, even if the number is small.
For instance
- One typo? Use erratum.
- Two or more typos? Use errata.
Modern Usage and Style Guides
Many modern style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style acknowledge the use of erratum and errata, particularly for corrections issued after a publication is released. Publishers and editors still use these terms to keep records of post-publication changes without rewriting the original document.
However, digital publishing has also introduced the practice of updating online topics silently or noting changes with correction or update labels. Still, in printed works or official reports, errata remains a standard term.
The word erratum is a useful term that denotes a single error in a printed or published document. Its plural form is errata, and it is used when referring to multiple corrections. Both terms are rooted in Latin and are still used in formal, academic, and publishing contexts. Understanding how to use erratum and errata correctly can help writers, editors, students, and professionals maintain precision in their work and clearly communicate when corrections are necessary. Avoid using incorrect forms like erratums, and always ensure that verbs agree with the singular or plural nature of the word. With these points in mind, you can confidently use these terms in your own writing and communication.