When it comes to legal writing, accuracy is key. Words like attorneys and attornies are often confused, leading to common misspellings. But understanding the correct plural form isn’t just a detail—it’s crucial for professionalism and clarity, especially when drafting a legal document or corresponding with a client. In the USA, knowing the correct usage for legal terms, like “attorney,” ensures professionalism and avoids misunderstandings in legal matters.
So, which is it: attornies or attorneys? The short answer is attorneys. Although both may look correct at first glance, attornies is an incorrect spelling. This mix-up often comes from a misunderstanding of English language rules on pluralization.
Here, we’ll break down why attorneys is correct, how to remember this form, and why it’s especially important for anyone involved in professional writing within the legal field.
Understanding Attornies and Attorneys
So, why is “attornies” wrong? In English, most words ending in “-y” change to “-ies” when pluralized, like “city” to “cities” or “party” to “parties.” However, attorneys is an exception to this rule due to its etymology. Originating from the Old French term “atorné,” which means “one appointed,” the word came into legal language in the early days of English law. When the term entered English, it retained a unique pluralization: “attorneys.” So, while the English rule for pluralization might apply to other words ending in ‘y’, it doesn’t apply to “attorney.”
In professional settings, misspelling “attorneys” can lead to doubts about accuracy and professionalism. Law is detail-oriented, and using incorrect terms can impact clarity, especially in legal documents where even small errors may lead to confusion. For lawyers or anyone drafting legal content, keeping terms precise, clear, and accurate is essential for professional writing.
Attornies: Definition and Usage
While attornies might seem right, it’s a misspelling. Many people assume the plural follows the general English rule of changing “y” to “ies.” This rule can be seen in words like “company” to “companies.” However, for legal terms like “attorney,” this isn’t the case. “Attornies” is not recognized in any formal dictionary or legal resource as a proper form.
When “attornies” appear in writing, it often happens due to quick typing or lack of familiarity with legal terms. This error frequently shows up in online forums or emails, where it can subtly erode credibility. Avoiding such misspellings is crucial for maintaining clarity and respect within any professional setting. Whether in legal writing or a general setting, remembering to use “attorneys” as the plural form helps ensure your communication remains precise.
Attorneys: Definition and Usage
In the legal field, the term attorneys holds significant meaning. It refers to legal professionals who are qualified to represent clients in legal matters. The correct plural form, attorneys, conveys professionalism and adherence to accepted English language standards. In legal writing, using “attorneys” correctly can make all the difference, especially when drafting a legal document or email. Here’s a comparison of correct and incorrect usage in a table:
| Term | Definition | Usage Example |
| Attorneys | Legal professionals (correct) | “The attorneys met in court.” |
| Attornies | Common misspelling (incorrect) | “The attornies met in court.” |
Using “attorneys” in professional documents is essential, as this form aligns with formal English language standards and is widely understood in the USA. In contrast, using “attornies” can create confusion and may even undermine your professionalism in important contexts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
To clarify the difference, here’s a side-by-side comparison of attornies and attorneys:
| Feature | Attorneys | Attornies |
| Correctness | Accurate | Incorrect |
| Definition | Legal professionals | Common misspelling |
| Usage in Documents | Professional | Lacks professionalism |
| Example Sentence | “All attorneys attended.” | “All attornies attended.” |
This table illustrates why accuracy matters. In law, where precise terminology is valued, using “attorneys” is vital. Correct spelling and usage reflect a deep understanding of the profession and enhance clarity in legal matters.
Synonyms for “Attorneys”
- Lawyers
- Legal professionals
- Counselors
- Advocates
- Legal representatives
- Counsel
- Barristers (primarily used in British English)
- Solicitors (used in specific legal contexts, especially outside the U.S.)
Synonyms for “Attornies” (Incorrect Form)
As “attornies” is a misspelling, its intended meaning aligns with “attorneys,” so synonyms for both are effectively the same. However, to clarify:
- Legal advisors (for the intended meaning of attorneys)
- Counselors at law
- Law practitioners
- Legal experts
These terms can help convey the meaning of attorneys without the incorrect spelling, ensuring clarity in legal and professional contexts.
Everyday Usage Examples
In everyday professional writing, it’s easy to encounter this spelling mistake. Here are a few correct and incorrect examples:
- Correct: “The attorneys are scheduled to review the case files.”
- Incorrect: “The attornies are scheduled to review the case files.”
In both sentences, only “attorneys” communicate professionalism. Legal professionals need to be especially mindful of using the correct plural forms, as legal writing often relies on precise and standardized language.
If you want to avoid the common misspellings in your writing, try proofreading legal documents carefully or using tools like a spell checker. Avoiding errors like “attornies” ensures that your work aligns with accepted legal standards and enhances credibility.
How to Correct the Misspelling of “Attornies”
To correct the misspelling “attornies,” simply replace it with “attorneys.” The correct plural form of “attorney” is “attorneys,” not “attornies.”
Many people mistakenly use “attornies” because they apply the typical rule of pluralizing words ending in “y” by changing the “y” to “ies.” However, since “attorney” ends with a vowel before the “y,” the plural form only requires adding an “s.” Always remember to use “attorneys” when referring to multiple legal professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural of attorney?
The plural of “attorney” is “attorneys.” Unlike words like “agency” or “deputy,” which follow the standard rule of adding “-ies” to words ending in “y,” attorney is an exception because it ends with a vowel before the “y.” The correct plural form is attorneys with just an added “s.”
What is the plural spelling for an attorney?
The plural spelling for “attorney” is “attorneys.” When referring to more than one attorney, you simply add an “s” to the end of the word, not “-ies” as might be expected from other words ending in “y.”
An attorney is a legal professional licensed to represent a person or entity in court and provide legal advice.
Yes, attorneys are legal professionals who are qualified to provide legal advice and represent individuals or organizations in court. They must be licensed to practice law and can work in various legal matters, from litigation to contract drafting.
How do you spell attorney when you need to refer to more than one attorney?
When referring to more than one attorney, you should use the plural form “attorneys.” The term attorneys is always the correct way to refer to multiple legal professionals.
Conclusion
In the world of legal writing and professionalism, details matter. Using the correct spelling—“attorneys” instead of “attornies”—is essential, especially for lawyers or others drafting legal documents. Remember, attorneys is the recognized, correct form in American English and is widely accepted in both formal and informal settings.
Whether you’re preparing a legal document or writing a casual email, understanding the correct spelling of attorneys is a mark of professionalism. Use this guide to stay accurate and make a strong impression in every legal or professional setting.
William Henry is a writer for Grammar Max, a blog that focuses on synonyms and phrases. He loves exploring the quirks of the English language and enjoys helping readers improve their vocabulary. William’s articles are easy to read, fun, and full of useful tips for anyone looking to better understand and use English. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone interested in language, William’s writing on Grammar Max makes learning about words and their meanings simple and enjoyable.
