What’s the Plural of Dogma: Understanding Collective Beliefs

Dogma, Dogmas — See the Pattern

The word dogma comes from Greek. Some Greek words have special plural endings, but in modern English, we just add -s.

Look at these examples. Can you see the pattern?

• one dogma → two dogmas
• one stigma → two stigmas
• one trauma → two traumas
• one schema → two schemas

Did you see the pattern? All of these words come from Greek, and they all just add -s in everyday English.

When to Use Dogmas (and What About Dogmata?)

In everyday English, always use dogmas. It is the standard plural form.

The form dogmata comes from the original Greek language. You might see it in very old or very formal writing, but almost nobody uses it today. If you are writing an essay, an email, or a conversation — use dogmas.

But what does dogma mean? A dogma is a belief or rule that a group says is true and should not be questioned. You hear it most often when talking about religion or strong beliefs.

• Religious dogma: rules that a church says are true
• Political dogma: ideas that a political group says everyone must follow
• Scientific dogma: an old belief in science that people do not question (sometimes used in a negative way)

Easy way to remember: Dogma = a strong belief. Dogmas = many strong beliefs. Just add -s.

How to Use Dogma and Dogmas in Everyday English

• Many religions have their own dogmas about how to live. (beliefs that must be followed)
• He does not follow any dogma blindly. (one set of beliefs)
• Scientists should always question old dogmas. (many old beliefs)
• The central dogma of the church has not changed for hundreds of years. (one belief)
• Different cultures have very different dogmas about right and wrong. (many beliefs)

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

Two Mistakes to Avoid With Dogma

Even native English speakers sometimes pause before writing the plural of Greek words — so if this one confuses you, you are not alone. The good news is that dogma follows a very simple rule.

How to remember: To make dogma plural, just add -s. Do not use an apostrophe (dogma’s is wrong — that means “belonging to a dogma”). And do not use dogmata unless you are writing about ancient Greek history.

Other Greek words that follow the same pattern: stigma → stigmas, trauma → traumas, schema → schemas.

Test Yourself: Dogma or Dogmas?

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 dogma becomes dogmas. That is one more Greek word you will never get wrong again.

But here is something interesting. The word schema also comes from Greek and ends in -ma — just like dogma. Its plural is schemas. But some people still use the old Greek form schemata. Is that correct? And when would you actually use it?

Next lesson: What Is the Plural of Schema?

Sources

1. Harper Douglas, “Etymology of dogma,” Online Etymology Dictionary

2. Definition of dogma noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: dogma