an attorney

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attorney" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lawyer or legal professional in a general context. Example: "She decided to hire an attorney to help her with the legal issues she was facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An Executor is often an attorney.

WikiHow

John is an attorney".

The New York Times

Hood hired an attorney.

The New Yorker

You're an attorney.

The New York Times

His wife is an attorney.

The New Yorker

Bill was an attorney and a photographer.

The New York Times

Rennard had to hire an attorney.

The New Yorker

There's a right to an attorney.

The New York Times

"That's about what an attorney makes.

The New York Times

Split end Gary Hayman became an attorney.

The New Yorker

He is an attorney from Durham, N.C.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to seek legal help, use the phrase "an attorney" to maintain a professional tone, especially in formal or written communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming every "an attorney" is capable of handling all legal matters. Specify the area of expertise (e.g., "a tax attorney", "a corporate attorney") to ensure the individual seeks appropriate legal assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an attorney" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence to denote a legal professional. Ludwig indicates its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an attorney" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a legal professional, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including Wiki and News & Media, and has a neutral to professional register. When seeking alternative phrases, consider options like "a lawyer" or "legal counsel", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to specify the attorney's area of expertise when necessary to ensure appropriate legal assistance is sought. In essence, using "an attorney" is a clear and widely accepted method to denote someone providing legal services.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lawyer

Replaces the term "attorney" with a more common synonym.

legal counsel

Provides a more formal alternative for "an attorney".

legal representative

Emphasizes the role of representing someone in legal matters.

defense attorney

Specifies that the attorney is representing the defendant.

prosecuting attorney

Specifies that the attorney is representing the prosecution.

patent attorney

Specifies that the attorney specializes in patent law.

tax attorney

Specifies that the attorney specializes in tax law.

an advocate

Highlights the attorney's role as a supporter of their client's case.

a solicitor

Offers a term more commonly used in British English for "attorney".

a barrister

Another term in British English referring to an attorney qualified to plead cases in court.

FAQs

When should I consult "an attorney"?

Consult "an attorney" when you face legal issues, need legal advice, or require representation in legal proceedings. Early consultation can help protect your rights and navigate complex legal processes.

What's the difference between "an attorney" and "a lawyer"?

The terms "an attorney" and "a lawyer" are often used interchangeably. However, "attorney" specifically refers to someone who is qualified to act on behalf of someone else in legal proceedings.

How can I find a qualified "an attorney"?

You can find a qualified "an attorney" through referrals from friends, family, or other professionals. Online directories, bar associations, and legal aid societies are also good resources. Check for specialization and experience relevant to your needs.

What questions should I ask when hiring "an attorney"?

Ask about their experience, specialization, fees, and communication style. Inquire about their success rate in similar cases and how they plan to handle your specific legal matter. Understanding these aspects ensures a good fit.