Classical Roots: A Language Influenced by Latin and Greek
Modern English, although of Germanic origin, has been influenced by many languages, and Latin and Greek have an important place in it. The use of Latin plural forms in English, as appendixes for appendixes, testifies to the legacy left by the extensive use of Latin in academic, religious, and scientific circles, particularly from the Middle Ages.
The Latin version of the plurals has therefore remained a marker of tradition and intellectual prestige. In the case of appendix, the plural appendices retains this scholarly imprint, and for this reason, it is widely favored in academic, scientific and technical publications, such as research articles, academic books, and specialized reports.
Appendixes: The influence of linguistic simplification in English
Unlike more conservative languages, English tends to simplify its grammar and structure, seeking more direct and accessible forms of language. In this context, forms such as appendixes appear. This version follows the standard English rules for words ending in -x, where -es is added to form the plural, as in boxes or fixes.
The use of appendixes is therefore common in documents intended for a general audience, such as newspaper articles, popular manuals, and even certain professional publications. The form is well accepted in these contexts where simplification and clarity of language are privileged.
· A brief history of the English language
· “Appendices” vs. “appendixes”
· Appendices or Appendixes? Clarifying Usage
Stylistic choice: register and context
When an author or editor chooses between appendices and appendixes, they are not only deciding on a grammatical form. This choice also signals a stylistic decision, influenced by the register of the text and its audience. In an academic document, the choice of appendices can reinforce the impression of seriousness and formalism, suggesting to the reader an attention to precision. It is also a way for the author to demonstrate his mastery of academic conventions.
On the other hand, using appendixes can make the text more accessible, especially for a non-specialist audience. By opting for this version, the author or editor shows a desire to simplify and make the content more direct, sometimes even warmer, since it is closer to the everyday language of modern English.
The ever-changing English language
The choice between appendices and appendixes also reflects a broader phenomenon of the English language: its constant evolution, fueled by the adaptation of usage and the influence of its speakers. This living and flexible language is able to adapt to different levels of formalism, so that Latin plural forms coexist with the more common English variants.
A similar trend can also be seen with words like index (plural indexes or indices), matrix (plural matrices or matrixes), and formula (plural formulas or formulae). This cohabitation of classical forms and simplified forms meets the varied needs of modern English, which must both respect academic traditions and remain accessible to the general public.
The impact of language choices: reader perception
English is a language of global communication, and linguistic choices can influence reader perception. Using terms of Latin origin as appendices confers a certain authority, associated with seriousness and intellectuality. In some contexts, this can be beneficial, as the reader may have more confidence in a text where the terminology is strict and formal.
In contrast, modern language choices, such as appendices, allow the text to reach a wider audience and make the information more accessible. Particularly in mass communication contexts, such as media and online platforms, this approach promotes simplicity and can help avoid any perception of jargon or linguistic heaviness.
· Oxford Brookes University-Appendices
· Everything You Need to Know About Appendices in Writing
· Format Requirements for an Appendix (or Appendices)
English Grammar and Standardization
Unlike French, English does not have an academy that imposes strict linguistic rules. The choice of plurals, such as between appendices and appendixes, is therefore often left to popular usage and the style conventions specific to different academic, professional, and cultural communities. Thus, some institutions or publications may prefer one or the other depending on their editorial policy or target audience.
For example, academic journals in the humanities or natural sciences might require appendices for reasons of style and tradition, while a popular science publication might find appendixes
more appropriate for a less specialized audience. This flexibility allows the language to remain dynamic and adapt to the different fields in which it is used.
Examples of other words with alternative plurals in English
English is full of words with alternative plurals according to the same logics of tradition and modernity. Here are some examples:
Crisis: Crises (classical form) and sometimes crisises (less common, but used in informal contexts).
Focus: Foci in mathematics and science, but focuses in more general writing.
Octopus: The classical form octopodes is rarely used, but octopi and octopuses are common. The form octopuses is the most used in everyday language.
These examples show the richness of English in terms of plurals and the variations that result depending on the context.
· What’s the Plural of Appendix: Understanding Variations in English Usage
· Easy Guide on How to Write an Appendix
Conclusion : why keep both forms?
The debate between appendices and appendixes reveals the very essence of the English language: a dynamic, adaptable language, influenced by traditions as much as by contemporary usage. The coexistence of these forms also illustrates how English allows its speakers to choose the form that best suits their intention, their audience, and their context.
In summary, appendices remains a judicious choice for academic and formal writing, while appendixes is a perfectly valid form for more accessible texts. By embracing both forms, English allows for nuanced and flexible expression, meeting the expectations of a diverse readership and the demands of a constantly evolving global language.
