Whats the Plural of Colloquium: A Concise Guide to Academic Terms

Colloquium, Colloquia, Colloquiums — See the Pattern

The word colloquium comes from Latin. In Latin, words that end in -um change to -a to become plural. But in everyday English, many people just add -s.

Look at these Latin words in English. Can you see the two ways to make them plural?

• one colloquium → two colloquia or colloquiums
• one symposium → two symposia or symposiums
• one curriculum → two curricula or curriculums

Did you see the pattern? You can change -um to -a (the Latin way) or just add -s (the English way). Both are correct.

When to Use Colloquia and When to Use Colloquiums

Both colloquia and colloquiums are correct. The one you pick depends on how formal your writing is:

• Formal or academic writing: Use colloquia. This is the original Latin plural. You will see it in university papers and research.
• Everyday English: Use colloquiums. This follows the normal English rule of adding -s. It is simpler and easier to say.

A colloquium is a type of academic meeting. Experts come together to talk about a topic, share ideas, and ask questions. You might also hear it called a seminar or conference.

Easy way to remember: If you are writing for school or university, use colloquia. For everything else, colloquiums is perfectly fine.

How to Use Colloquium in Everyday English

• The university held a colloquium on climate change last Friday. (one meeting)
• She has been to three colloquia this term already. (more than one — Latin plural)
• Our department runs weekly colloquiums on different topics. (more than one — English plural)
• The colloquium starts at 2 p.m. in the main hall. (one event)
• Two colloquia were cancelled because of the snow. (more than one)

You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make with this word.

Two Mistakes to Avoid With Colloquium

Even native English speakers get confused by Latin plurals — so if this word trips you up, you are not alone. The Latin ending makes it look harder than it really is.

How to remember: The Latin plural is colloquia (change -um to -a). Do not add -s after -a. The word “colloquias” does not exist. If you prefer the English way, just add -s to get colloquiums — nothing else.

Other Latin words that follow the same pattern: symposium → symposia, curriculum → curricula, auditorium → auditoria.

Test Yourself: Colloquium or Colloquia?

Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.

Keep Going — You Are Building Something

You just learned that colloquium becomes colloquia or colloquiums. That is one more Latin plural you will never get wrong again.

But here is something interesting. The word symposium looks very similar to colloquium — it also ends in -ium and also means a type of academic meeting. So is the plural symposia or symposiums? And is there a difference between a colloquium and a symposium?

Next lesson: What Is the Plural of Symposium?

Sources

1. Definition of colloquium.
2. Sentences using colloquium.
3. Origin of colloquium.