Plural of Corpus
“Corpus” retains both a Latin-derived plural, “corpora,” and an English plural, “corpuses.” Authoritative dictionaries recognize both. In technical corpus-linguistics contexts, “corpora” is especially familiar, but the grammar does not make “corpuses” incorrect.
Both “corpora” and “corpuses” are accepted plurals of “corpus.” “Corpora” is especially common in specialist and linguistic writing, while “corpuses” is also a valid English plural.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| specialist linguistic collection | corpora | Common specialist plural. |
| general plural | corpora or corpuses | Both are accepted. |
| same document | one form consistently | Follow field or house convention where one exists. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Does your field or house style conventionally use “corpora”?
If yes: Use “corpora” consistently.
If no: Either “corpora” or “corpuses” is accepted; choose for audience and consistency.
Caveat: The source evidence supports both plural forms, so any preference should be framed as convention rather than universal correctness.
Examples
The study compares two large corpora.
“Corpora” is common in specialist linguistic writing.
The archive contains several distinct corpuses.
“Corpuses” is an accepted English plural.
Both corpora were built from public texts.
The Latin-derived plural is fully established.
Further guidance
Core difference
Choose “corpora” or “corpuses” according to field convention and audience, then stay consistent.
Fast Test
If you are writing for corpus linguistics or another field that conventionally uses “corpora,” follow that convention. Otherwise either accepted plural can work.
Usage Boundary
Do not turn the page into a corpus-linguistics tutorial or claim that only the Latin-derived plural is correct.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- CORPUS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge gives corpora and corpuses as plurals of corpus.
- corpus noun - Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Oxford likewise gives corpora and corpuses and marks corpus as specialist, supporting a bounded variant-form guide.