Which is Correct - “He is an Alumni of the College” or “He is an Alumnus of the College”?

The first time I encountered the term “alumni” instead of “alumnus,” I was surprised and even a little horrified. However, as I observed the growing usage of this term, I realized that it is a natural progression in the evolution of English language and its adaptation from Latin plurals. Just as we now commonly use “syllabuses” instead of the original Latin “syllabi,” and see “criteria” as a singular noun, “alumni” is gradually becoming the accepted form for both singular and plural usage.

The Correct Phrase

The technically correct usage is “he is an alumnus of the college.” The term “alumnus” specifically refers to a male graduate or former student. “Alumni,” on the other hand, is used as the plural form to refer to multiple male graduates or former students. For a female graduate, the term “alumna” is appropriate, and “alumnae” is used for multiple females.

In your example, the correct phrase is:

He is an alumnus of the college.

Emeritus Professor Rodney Huddleston, co-author of “The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language,” Cambridge University Press 2002, supports this usage.

Gender Neutrality in Usage

When it comes to gender-neutral language, you can use “alum” for an individual of unknown gender or when referring to an individual who identifies as non-binary. For people with a degree, the term “graduate” can be used instead. Here are some examples:

He is an alumnus. She is an alumna. They are alumni if both are male, or one is male and the other is female. They are alumnae if both are female.

The correct wording is “He is an alumnus of the college.” “Alumnus” is the singular form, while “alumni” is the plural form. If you were to refer to a single person in a gender-neutral way, the phrase would be:

He is one of the alumni of the college.

This usage acknowledges that “alumni” is the plural form and maintains grammatical correctness.

Common Misuses and Irritations

The question of whether to use “alumni” in a singular form often irritates linguists like myself because of the tension between tradition and evolution. One prominent misusage that bugs me is when people on license plate frames refer to a graduate with “UCLA ALUMNI.” The person in the car is specifically an alumnus, whereas the other graduates of UCLA remain not in the car with him.

The consistent and correct usage in such contexts underscores the importance of precision and clarity in language. Adoption and adaptation of new terms from Latin allow English to continue to evolve, providing flexibility and inclusivity in language use.

By adhering to the proper usage of “alumnus,” “alumna,” and “alumni,” we can participate in the evolution of English in a positive and respectful manner. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or sharing information, choosing the correct term can make a significant difference in clarity and respect for the traditions and evolution of language.