The Definitive Guide: Why The Plural Of "Attorney General" Is "Attorneys General" (And Not What You Think)

Are you one of the millions who has paused mid-sentence, wondering how to correctly pluralize "Attorney General"? You are not alone. The title for the chief legal advisor to a government—whether federal or state—is a compound noun that defies standard English pluralization rules, and its correct form is a frequent point of confusion for writers, journalists, and even legal professionals. As of this current date, December 17, 2025, the universally accepted and formally correct plural form is "attorneys general," a linguistic anomaly that offers a fascinating look into the history of the English language and its legal traditions.

The confusion stems from the title's unique structure, where the adjective follows the noun, a pattern known as a postpositive adjective. Understanding this structure is the key to mastering not only the plural but also the correct possessive forms, allowing you to write with precision and authority on legal and governmental matters. This article breaks down the definitive rule, explores its deep historical roots, and provides a full guide to its proper usage.

The Linguistic Anatomy: Why "Attorneys General" Is Correct

The question of "attorneys general" versus "attorney generals" is not a matter of preference but a strict rule of grammar rooted in the compound noun's origin.

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The Rule of the Postpositive Adjective

In most English compound nouns, the adjective precedes the noun (e.g., a *blue* bird). However, "attorney general" is an example of a compound noun where the adjective, *general*, follows the noun, *attorney*. This is known as a postpositive adjective.

• The Noun: The core subject of the title is the attorney—the person appointed to act for another in legal matters.
• The Adjective: The word general is the adjective, and in this context, it doesn't refer to a military rank. Instead, it modifies the noun *attorney* by indicating the *scope* or *breadth* of the attorney's duties—meaning an attorney with a general or broad jurisdiction, as opposed to a special or particular one.

The fundamental rule for pluralizing this type of compound noun is to apply the plural marker (-s) to the actual noun being counted, which is *attorney*. You are counting multiple attorneys who are all "general" in their scope. Therefore, the plural becomes attorneys general.

The French Connection: A "French Plural"

This unusual word order and pluralization rule are a direct inheritance from Anglo-French (or Old French) legal and governmental terminology, a linguistic legacy dating back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Many of the most formal titles and legal phrases in English were established during this period, when French was the language of the courts and the ruling class.

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In French, the adjective typically follows the noun. When these French-derived compound titles were adopted into English, they retained their original word order and, crucially, their pluralization pattern. This is why "attorneys general" is often colloquially referred to as a "French plural."

Entities and Other Notorious Compound Nouns

Understanding the "attorneys general" rule unlocks the correct usage for several other high-profile titles and legal phrases that follow the exact same linguistic pattern. Recognizing these entities and terms helps build topical authority and reinforces the core rule.

The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)

A prime example of the correct plural form in formal, modern usage is the nonpartisan organization representing the chief legal officers of the U.S. states and territories. This organization is formally known as the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). The name itself serves as a continuous, official endorsement of the plural form "attorneys general."

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Other Compound Nouns That Follow the Same Rule

The "attorneys general" rule is not unique; it applies to several other compound nouns in English, particularly those found in legal, military, and governmental contexts. These examples further illustrate the principle of pluralizing the main noun:

• Court Martial: The plural is courts martial. (You are pluralizing the *court*, not the martial/military nature of the court.)
• Governor General: The plural is governors general. (You are counting the *governors*.)
• Poet Laureate: The plural is poets laureate. (You are counting the *poets*.)
• Sergeant Major: In some contexts, the plural is sergeants major.

In all these cases, the second word acts as a postpositive adjective, describing the type or scope of the person or thing named by the first word, which is the word that receives the plural marker.

Mastering the Possessive: Singular vs. Plural

Once you have the plural form correct, the next challenge is applying the possessive case—the apostrophe ('s)—for both singular and plural. This is where many writers falter, but the rule is straightforward.

The Singular Possessive

For one Attorney General, the possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe and an 's' to the end of the entire title.

• Singular: Attorney General
• Singular Possessive: Attorney General's
• Example: "The Attorney General's recent opinion was released today."

The Plural Possessive: The Ultimate Test of Authority

To indicate possession by two or more Attorneys General, you must start with the correct plural form and then apply the possessive apostrophe at the end.

• Plural: Attorneys General
• Plural Possessive: Attorneys General's
• Example: "The conference was a joint effort of the Attorneys General's offices."

While grammatically correct, the plural possessive form—"Attorneys General's"—can sound awkward to the modern ear. For this reason, many style guides and professional writers recommend restructuring the sentence to use the preposition "of," thereby avoiding the clumsy possessive entirely.

• Preferred Alternative: "The joint statement was signed by the opinions of several Attorneys General."

The Ongoing Debate: Why Do People Still Say "Attorney Generals"?

Despite the rigid grammatical rule, the incorrect form, "attorney generals," is frequently heard and occasionally appears in less formal writing. This is due to several factors:

1. Standard English Pluralization: The default rule in English is to add an -s to the end of a word to make it plural (e.g., *house* becomes *houses*). People naturally apply this rule to the end of the compound noun.
2. Lack of Familiarity: Compound nouns with postpositive adjectives are rare in everyday speech, making the correct pluralization counter-intuitive.
3. UK Variation: While "attorneys general" is the standard in American English (as used by the Department of Justice and NAAG), the form "Attorney Generals" has been observed in some British and Commonwealth contexts, though it is still widely considered non-standard.

In formal legal, governmental, and journalistic writing, the use of "attorney generals" is considered an error. Maintaining the correct form, attorneys general, is a hallmark of precision and respect for linguistic tradition, especially when discussing the chief law enforcement officers of various jurisdictions. By understanding its French origins and the rule of the postpositive adjective, you can confidently use this unique plural form and demonstrate true mastery of the English language.