Corporate English
Dictionaries
About us
App
Sign up
ES
Learn languages with fun
Try For Free
Blog
Dictionaries
Commonly Confused Words
Formulas/Formulae
Master confusing words with ease
Ordinal numbers/Cardinal numbers
Gaff/Gaffe
Mutant/Mutation
Moot point/Mute point
Formulas vs. Formulae
Formulas
Rules or methods for doing calculations or solving problems, often expressed in symbols
Examples:
Synonyms:
equations
recipes
rules
methods
principles
Antonyms:
guess
improvisation
Formulae
A set of instructions or steps to achieve a result, often in math or science
Examples:
Synonyms:
equations
expressions
recipes
blueprints
Antonyms:
guess
estimate
Ways to tell them apart:
Both words refer to mathematical or scientific expressions or a set of symbols that express a fact, rule, or principle.
Formulas
is often used in American English to refer to more than one formula, particularly in non-technical contexts.
Formulae
is the classical Latin-derived plural form and is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, especially in British English.
To differentiate, remember that
formulas
aligns with the typical English pluralization pattern, whereas
formulae
retains its classical roots in Latin.
Think about
formulae
as fitting in with words like
alumni
and
cacti
which maintain their Latin plural forms.
When to use formulas:
When to use formulae:
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd