claim
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To state that something is true or belongs to you, often without providing full proof.
To demand or ask for something as a right; to assert ownership or entitlement; to cause loss or death (as in 'the accident claimed three lives'); a statement of truth that may be disputed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans factual assertion, legal demand, and metaphorical usage (e.g., claiming lives). It often implies a challengeable statement or a right that needs verification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. In insurance contexts, both use 'claim' identically. Slight preference in UK English for 'lay claim to' vs. US 'stake a claim', but both are understood.
Connotations
In UK English, 'claim' can sound slightly more formal or legalistic in everyday contexts. In US English, it is frequently used in advertising ('claims to reduce wrinkles').
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with comparable usage across legal, everyday, and business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
claim that + clauseclaim to + infinitiveclaim + direct objectclaim + object + from + sourceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “claim to fame”
- “jump a claim”
- “claim someone's life”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Submitting an insurance claim after property damage.
Academic
The researcher's central claim was challenged during peer review.
Everyday
He claims he left his keys on the kitchen counter.
Technical
The patent claim outlines the invention's novel components.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She claimed to have seen the suspect near the station.
- You can claim a tax refund online.
- The flood claimed several homes in the village.
American English
- He claims he never received the package.
- You can claim your luggage at carousel three.
- The disease claimed its first victim last week.
adverb
British English
- He allegedly and claimably witnessed the event, though proof was scant.
American English
- The data was claimably representative, but the sample size was small.
adjective
British English
- The claimed benefits of the supplement are unproven.
- A claimed sighting of the rare bird caused excitement.
American English
- The claimed advantages of the software seem exaggerated.
- Her claimed ancestry was difficult to verify.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I claim my bag at the airport.
- She claims the book is hers.
- He claimed that he had finished his homework.
- They made an insurance claim after the car accident.
- The company claims its new product is more efficient than any competitor's.
- No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
- The philosopher's claim that all knowledge is derived from experience was widely debated.
- The mining company staked its claim to the newly discovered mineral deposits.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLAIM sounds like 'CLAYM' – imagine someone stamping their name in clay to assert ownership.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (defend a claim, attack a claim), OWNERSHIP IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (lay claim to, stake a claim).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'claim' as 'претензия' in all contexts – 'претензия' is closer to 'complaint'.
- Do not use 'утверждать' for legal/financial claims – use 'заявлять' or 'требовать'.
- The phrase 'claim lives' translates as 'уносить жизни', not 'заявлять жизни'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'claim' as a direct synonym for 'say' in neutral, undisputed contexts (e.g., 'He claimed the sky is blue' sounds odd).
- Confusing 'claim' (assertion) with 'acclaim' (praise).
- Incorrect preposition: 'claim for' instead of 'claim on' (e.g., 'claim on the insurance').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'claim' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Claim' implies an assertion that may or may not be true and often requires proof. It is neutral regarding truth value.
'Say' is neutral. 'Claim' suggests the statement might be disputed, exaggerated, or needs verification.
Yes. You can 'claim a prize' or 'claim victory', which are positive. However, the word often carries a nuance of challenge.
It refers to the one thing for which a person or place is best known, often something minor or unusual.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.