Plural of Forum
“Forum” has two dictionary-recorded plurals: “forums” and “fora.” The regular plural is common in general use, while the Latin-derived plural survives especially in more formal or specialized contexts.
Both “forums” and “fora” are accepted plurals of “forum.” Use the form expected by your audience or house style; “forums” is the straightforward regular English plural.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one place or setting for discussion | forum | Use the singular form. |
| regular English plural | forums | Use the straightforward regular plural in general prose. |
| Latin-derived plural | fora | Also accepted, especially where a formal or field convention prefers it. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the plural of “forum”?
If yes: Use “forums” in ordinary English or “fora” where the audience or house style prefers the Latin-derived form.
If no: Use singular “forum” for one discussion setting.
Caveat: “Forums” and “fora” are both accepted; the choice can be stylistic or field-specific rather than a correctness divide.
Examples
The site hosts several discussion forums.
“Forums” is the regular English plural.
The paper compares several public fora.
“Fora” is an accepted Latin-derived plural.
The forum meets every month.
One setting takes the singular “forum.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “forums” and “fora” are accepted.
Fast Test
Use “forums” for an ordinary regular-English plural unless a field or house style favors “fora.”
Usage Boundary
Do not present “fora” as the only correct plural or mark “forums” as an error.
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.
- Forum — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence that “forum” has accepted plurals “forums” and “fora.”