Understanding the Difference Between Alumnus and Alumni

Difference Between Alumnus and Alumni

Knowing simple English words is very helpful when you want to talk clearly. Today, we will talk about two words: alumnus and alumni. These words come from an old language called Latin. Understanding these words is easy when you know a little trick.

History

The word alumnus is a Latin word. It means a person who went to a school or college. The word alumni is the plural form of alumnus. So, alumni means a group of people who went to the same school or college.

How to Use Them

If you are talking about one man who went to a school, you use alumnus. If you are talking about two or more people, you use alumni.

Examples for Alumnus

• John is an alumnus of our college.
• The school invited its most famous alumnus to give a speech.
• He is proud to be an alumnus of his old university.
• An alumnus often comes back to visit old teachers.
• She remembered him as an alumnus who loved sports.

Examples for Alumni

• Our school has many successful alumni.
• The alumni were excited to see each other at the reunion.
• Alumni from around the world joined the online meeting.
• The school newsletter was sent to all alumni.
• Many alumni donate money to help the school.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember: Alumnus ends with “us,” like “one of us.” This can help you remember it means one person. Alumni ends with “i,” which looks like a path going in two directions, so it means more than one.

Summary

Use alumnus when speaking about one man who went to school. Use alumni for a group of people who went to school. Knowing this difference helps you talk clearly about students who have finished their time at school. Once you know this, using these words is easy!