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5.6.
When a noun is hyphenated with an adverb or preposition, the plural is formed on the noun.
- comings-in
- fillers-in
- goings-on
- hangers-on
- listeners-in
- lookers-on
- markers-up
- passers-by
- swearers-in
5.7.
When neither word is a noun, the plural is formed on the last word.
- also-rans
- come-ons
- go-betweens
- higher-ups
- run-ins
- tie-ins
5.8.
In forming the plurals of compound terms, the significant word takes the plural form.
- Significant word first:
- adjutants general
- aides-de-camp
- ambassadors at large
- attorneys at law
- attorneys general
- billets-doux
- bills of fare
- brothers-in-law
- charges d'affaires
- chiefs of staff
- commanders in chief
- comptrollers general
- consuls general
- courts-martial
- crepes suzette
- daughters-in-law
- governors general
- grants-in-aid
- heirs at law
- inspectors general
- men-of-war
- ministers-designate
- mothers-in-law
- notaries public
- pilots-in-command
- postmasters general
- presidents-elect
- prisoners of war
- reductions in force
- rights-of-way
- secretaries general
- sergeants at arms
- sergeants major
- solicitors general
- surgeons general
- Significant word in middle:
- assistant attorneys general
- assistant chiefs of staff
- assistant comptrollers general
- assistant surgeons general
- Significant word last:
- assistant attorneys
- assistant commissioners
- assistant corporation counsels
- assistant directors
- assistant general counsels
- brigadier generals
- deputy judges
- deputy sheriffs
- general counsels
- judge advocates
- judge advocate generals
- lieutenant colonels
- major generals
- provost marshals
- provost marshal generals
- quartermaster generals
