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Pedants' corner

Plural of scenario

10 replies

CaptainMyCaptain · 12/10/2026 20:16

I heard someone on Radio 4 say 'scenarii' today. I am prepared to be impressed if that is correct but I don't think I'll be saying it myself.

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3luckystars · 12/10/2026 20:17

I would say ‘a number of scenarios’

CaptainMyCaptain · 12/10/2026 20:31

So would I.

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Arlanymor · 12/10/2026 20:36

Surely the plural is scenarios?

"What do you think is the likely outcome of the rugby match this afternoon?"
"There are a range of scenarios..."

Scenarii sounds like it probably is correct but no one has used it since Biggus Dickus and Incontinentia Buttocks in 33 AD....

Twiglets1 · 12/10/2026 20:36

Scenarios of course!

Shloopie · 12/10/2026 20:38

I bet Brian Sewell would have said scenarii. I'll stick with 'scenarios'.

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 12/10/2026 20:48

Arlanymor · 12/10/2026 20:36

Surely the plural is scenarios?

"What do you think is the likely outcome of the rugby match this afternoon?"
"There are a range of scenarios..."

Scenarii sounds like it probably is correct but no one has used it since Biggus Dickus and Incontinentia Buttocks in 33 AD....

As this si Pendant's Corner, "range" is singular, therefore "there IS a range of scenarios."

Arlanymor · 12/10/2026 20:50

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 12/10/2026 20:48

As this si Pendant's Corner, "range" is singular, therefore "there IS a range of scenarios."

Yes true, good catch.

Although also a bit ironic with typos in your post!

thefourthbeatle · 13/10/2026 11:36

'Scenarii' is cod English along the lines of 'croci' as the plural of 'crocus'; the latter employed by my late uncle, a fellow extremely successful in literary circles yet with an immense 'chip on his shoulder' as he had left school at 15 sans qualifications.

CaptainMyCaptain · 13/10/2026 11:55

I was surprised to hear it and thought, if correct, it was extreme pedantry. I can't bring myself to ask for one panino even though that is apparently correct. Autocorrect wouldn't even let me type panino.

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CousinBette · 15/10/2026 22:34

Yes! I heard this and thought ‘how pretentious’!

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