Appendix vs. Appendices — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 18, 2023
Appendix refers to a single supplementary material added to a document. Appendices is the plural form, referring to multiple such materials.
Difference Between Appendix and Appendices
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Appendix is a term that originates from the Latin word for "hanging," which, in context, means supplementary material or information added to the end of a book, article, or other written work. Appendices, on the other hand, is merely the plural form of appendix. Instead of just one set of supplementary information, when multiple sets of such information or materials are present at the end of a document, they are collectively referred to as appendices.
The use of appendix or appendices in a document depends on the author's discretion. For instance, an author might include a single appendix if there is only one topic or set of data to present. In contrast, if there are varied topics or sets of information to share, it is logical to have multiple appendices, each dedicated to a distinct topic.
Both appendix and appendices serve the purpose of providing additional clarity, presenting supplementary information, or offering an in-depth analysis without disrupting the flow of the main content. However, it's crucial to differentiate between the two: while appendix implies singularity, appendices indicate plurality.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A single section of supplementary material.
The plural of appendix; multiple such sections.
Use in a Document
Suitable for one set of additional data.
Suitable when presenting multiple sets of data.
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Number
Singular
Plural
Example in a Book
"Refer to Appendix A for the data."
"Refer to Appendices A and B for more details."
Common Usage Context
Often in academic or research papers.
When several supplementary sections are present.
Compare with Definitions
Appendix
A tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine.
The patient had his appendix removed.
Appendices
The plural form of appendix; supplementary sections in a book.
The appendices contain both the raw data and the analysis.
Appendix
An attachment or addition.
The software comes with an appendix of tools.
Appendices
Multiple sets of additional information at the end of a document.
The author provided three appendices for further reading.
Appendix
A supplementary material at the end of a book or document.
See the appendix for a list of references.
Appendices
Several attachments or additions.
The software suite has several appendices for specialized tasks.
Appendix
A section of added information at the end of a document.
The appendix provides more details on the experiment.
Appendices
Multiple sections of extra details at the end of a document.
The report ends with two appendices explaining methodologies.
Appendix
A detailed section at the end of a book.
The book's appendix offers a deeper dive into the topic.
Appendices
More than one section added to provide a comprehensive view.
The textbook's appendices cover bonus topics in depth.
Appendix
An appendage.
Appendices
A plural of appendix.
Appendix
A collection of supplementary material, usually at the end of a book.
Appendices
Plural of appendice
Appendix
(Anatomy) Any of several supplementary or accessory parts of a bodily organ or structure, especially the vermiform appendix of the large intestine.
Appendix
Something attached to something else; an attachment or accompaniment.
Appendix
A text added to the end of a book or an article, containing additional information.
Appendix
(anatomy) The vermiform appendix.
Appendix
(anatomy) Any process, prolongation, or projection.
Appendix
Something appended or added; an appendage, adjunct, or concomitant.
Normandy became an appendix to England.
Appendix
Any literary matter added to a book, but not necessarily essential to its completeness, and thus distinguished from supplement, which is intended to supply deficiencies and correct inaccuracies.
Appendix
The vermiform appendix.
Appendix
Supplementary material that is collected and appended at the back of a book
Appendix
A vestigial process that extends from the lower end of the cecum and that resembles a small pouch
Common Curiosities
Can a book have both an appendix and appendices?
Technically, if a book has appendices, it means it already has more than one appendix. However, one might informally say "check the appendix" even when there are multiple appendices.
Is every extra section at the end of a book called an appendix?
Not necessarily. While appendices offer additional information relevant to the main content, there are also glossaries, indexes, and bibliographies that serve different purposes.
What are appendices in literature?
Appendices are the plural form of appendix, indicating multiple sections placed at the end of a literary work, each containing additional, relevant details or data.
When should I use appendix vs. appendices?
Use "appendix" when referring to a single supplementary section and "appendices" when there are multiple such sections in a document.
What is an appendix in a book?
An appendix in a book refers to a section located at the end, providing supplementary information or details that don't fit within the main content but are relevant to the topic.
How are appendices numbered or lettered?
Appendices are typically lettered (Appendix A, Appendix B) or titled, especially if each appendix has a distinct topic. They can also be numbered in some instances.
What is the difference between an appendix and a bibliography?
An appendix provides supplementary content related to the main text, while a bibliography lists the sources or references cited in the document.
Do I need to read the appendix to understand the main content?
While an appendix provides supplementary information, the main content should generally stand on its own. The appendix offers additional insights, details, or clarifications.
Are appendices only used in academic writing?
While commonly found in academic and research papers, appendices can appear in any document or book where the author deems supplementary information necessary.
Do appendices come before or after references?
In most academic writing styles, appendices come after the references or bibliography. However, always consult specific style guidelines or preferences.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
