[rfc-i] Re: [Rswg] Forum/Forums/Fora, Erratum/Erratums/Errata

[Rob Sayre <[e-mail]>]

On Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 2:07 PM Scudder, John <[e-mail]> wrote:

> For what it’s worth, my dictionary gives both “forums” or “fora” as
> acceptable pluralizations of “forum”, but only “errata” for “erratum”.
>
> Does the style guide have to say “use accepted dictionary spellings” (for
> things that have them) or is this understood?
>


Well, it's a style guide. That means you choose a way, even if there are
valid alternatives.

The dictionaries are all different on this question. Here is a good
overview:

https://stancarey.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/forums-forum-fora/

Of course, a style guide can decide to remain agnostic on the issue, but
even stating that is a service to authors and reviewers. That way, it is
settled, and either version is OK.

thanks,
Rob