memoranda/memorandums ovum ova phenomenon phenomena. THE VERBALIST THOMAS EMBLY OSMUN, (AKA ALFRED AYRES) I filled two or three sheets of demy writing-paper, folded in octavo, with these memorandums. In contrast, the plural form “memoranda” and its plural variant “memorandums” can both be preceded or modified by “respective.” plural is used to indicate more than one species, strain, or variety. The plural is memoranda, except when the singular means a book then the plural is memorandums. As I have always understood it, the acronym or initialism can be pluralized only if the last letter indicates the plural item. It is therefore grammatically faulty for the singular “memorandum” to be preceded by “respective” as a modifier. Memorandum is a Noun, Plural Memorandums, Memoranda mem-uh-ran-duh /mm rn D/ (Show IPA). a written statement, record, or communication such as within an office 2. Here’s why: The adjective “respective” means particular or separate, so when it modifies a noun, that noun must be comprised by two or more particular or separate units to dovetail with the plural sense of “respective” as modifier. Memorandum is a noun, plural memorandums, memoranda mem-uh-ran-duh.
But you should remember your audience: If your readers get their noses out of joint over memorandums, then capitulate and use memoranda.
The grammatically correct usage is the plural “memoranda” for the sentence that you presented. Its plural is either memoranda or memorandums. I have read many court decisions that alternately used the word “MEMORANDUM” or “MEMORANDA” in the following sentence: “All the parties are ordered to submit their RESPECTIVE MEMORANDUM or MEMORANDA.” My question is which is more grammatical: “MEMORANDUM or MEMORANDA” ? I shall appreciate your help. Question e-mailed by tritorns (June 28, 2015):
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