Memorandums of Agreement Plural: A Guide to Proper Grammar
When it comes to writing legal or business documents, it’s essential to use proper grammar and language. One common question that arises is how to handle the plural form of “memorandum of agreement.” In this article, we’ll explore the correct way to write “memorandums of agreement” and provide examples for clarity.
First, let’s take a look at the singular form. “Memorandum of agreement” is a legal term that refers to a written agreement between two or more parties. It is commonly shortened to “MOA” or “MOU” (memorandum of understanding). In its singular form, “memorandum of agreement” is considered a compound noun, which means it is made up of two or more words that function as a single unit. When we want to make it plural, we need to add an “s” to the end.
So how do we form the plural of “memorandum of agreement?” One possible way is to simply add an “s” to the end, resulting in “memorandums of agreement.” This is the most common way to form the plural and is widely accepted. However, it is important to note that some people prefer the term “memoranda of agreement.”
The reason for this is that “memorandum” is a Latin word that has retained its original plural form: “memoranda.” In Latin, “memorandum” means “something to be remembered,” and its plural form is “memoranda.” Some legal professionals argue that since “memorandum of agreement” is a compound noun consisting of “memorandum” and “agreement,” it should follow the same pluralization rule and be written as “memoranda of agreement.”
While this argument has some merit, the fact is that “memorandums of agreement” is more commonly used in modern English, and it is more likely to be understood by the average reader. Moreover, the issue of pluralization is not a strict rule and can often be a matter of personal preference.
Here are some examples of how “memorandums of agreement” can be used in a sentence:
– The two companies signed three memorandums of agreement to collaborate on research and development.
– The government and the labor unions negotiated the terms of the memorandums of agreement for the new collective bargaining agreement.
– The university issued memorandums of agreement to all the research partners involved in the project.
In conclusion, the plural form of “memorandum of agreement” can be written as “memorandums of agreement” or “memoranda of agreement.” While the latter is technically more accurate, the former is more commonly used and is more likely to be understood by readers. As always, it’s important to use proper grammar and language when writing legal or business documents to convey professionalism and credibility.