Quick answer
Marshal with one L is the rank and the verb — a field marshal, marshal your arguments. Marshall with two is normally a proper noun: a surname, or names like the Marshall Plan and the Marshall Islands. The common noun takes one L.
The core difference
A common noun and verb, and a proper noun.
- marshal — an officer or official; to arrange: fire marshal, marshal the evidence.
- Marshall — a surname or place name: the Marshall Plan.
The verb
Marshal as a verb means to gather and arrange in order — marshalling facts, marshalling troops. It doubles the L in British inflections: marshalled, marshalling. American English keeps the single L: marshaled.
The martial trap
Marshal and martial are separate words too — martial means relating to war. "Marshal law" is an error for martial law, and it is a common one.
Frequently asked questions
Is it marshal law or martial law?
Martial law — relating to war. Marshal is an official or the verb meaning to arrange.
When does marshal take two Ls?
In proper nouns like the Marshall Plan, and in British inflections such as marshalled and marshalling.
What does marshal mean as a verb?
To gather and arrange in order — marshalling evidence or troops.
