The plural form of Surgeon General is surgeons general.
When referring to more than one individual who holds the distinguished office of Surgeon General, the correct pluralization is "surgeons general." This specific grammatical rule applies to certain compound nouns where the principal noun, rather than the modifier, is pluralized.
Understanding Pluralization in Compound Nouns
Compound nouns, especially those formed by a noun followed by an adjective or a postpositive adjective (an adjective placed after the noun it modifies), typically pluralize the main or head noun. In the term "Surgeon General," "Surgeon" is the core noun describing the person's primary professional role, while "General" functions as a descriptor of their rank, scope, or broad authority. Therefore, to indicate multiple individuals, the pluralization correctly applies to "Surgeon."
Here's a quick overview:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Singular | Surgeon General |
| Plural | Surgeons General |
Similar Compound Nouns and Their Plurals
This rule for pluralizing the head noun in a compound structure is observed in several other common English phrases. Understanding these parallels can help solidify the correct usage for "Surgeon General."
- Attorney General: The plural is attorneys general.
- Court-martial: The plural is courts-martial.
- Heir apparent: The plural is heirs apparent.
- Mother-in-law: The plural is mothers-in-law (here, "mother" is the main noun).
- Colonel General: The plural is colonels general.
These examples illustrate the pattern of modifying the noun that carries the primary meaning or role when forming the plural.
The Significance of the Surgeon General
The Surgeon General of the United States holds a significant position as the nation's leading spokesperson on public health matters. This individual provides scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. They also oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service of health professionals. Accurately using the plural form, surgeons general, is essential for precise communication when discussing multiple past or present holders of this vital office.
