sue
B2Formal/Legal, but also used in general contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to start a legal process against someone, typically to claim money because of some harm they have caused.
To formally ask for something, often persistently or as if in a court of law (e.g., 'sue for peace').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a legal term. The object is usually the person or entity being sued. Can be used intransitively with 'for' (sue for damages). Connotes a formal, adversarial process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The legal procedures and terminology surrounding lawsuits differ, but the core verb 'sue' is identical in use and frequency.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of a serious, potentially contentious legal action. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally common in both legal and general contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] (sue sb)[V for N] (sue for peace/damages)[V to-inf] (rare: sued to stop the development)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sue the pants off (someone) (informal, emphatic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The firm was sued for breach of contract.
Academic
The study examines factors that influence individuals' decisions to sue for medical malpractice.
Everyday
If the garage doesn't fix the problem properly, I'll sue them.
Technical
The plaintiff is suing under statute 14(b) for declaratory relief.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tenants may sue the landlord for failing to repair the roof.
- He is suing the newspaper for defamation.
American English
- They're planning to sue the manufacturer over the faulty equipment.
- She sued for custody of the children.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The customer said he would sue the shop.
- If the product is dangerous, you have the right to sue the company.
- The celebrity decided to sue the magazine for publishing false stories about her private life.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sue' sounds like 'due'. When someone doesn't pay what is DUE to you, you might SUE them.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS WAR (battle in court, legal offensive), ACCOUNTING (seeking compensation as a financial transaction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'съютить' (to unite) is unrelated. The correct translation for the legal sense is 'подавать в суд', 'привлекать к судебной ответственности'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I will sue him money.' Correct: 'I will sue him for damages.'
- Incorrect: 'She sued against the hospital.' Correct: 'She sued the hospital.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate meaning of 'sue' in a legal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often for monetary damages, one can sue for other things like an injunction (to stop something) or custody.
'Sue' is for civil cases (individual vs. individual/company). 'Prosecute' is for criminal cases (the state vs. an individual).
Yes, it is possible to represent yourself (as a 'litigant in person'), but it is generally complex and not advised for serious matters.
The most direct noun is 'lawsuit'. The person who sues is the 'plaintiff' (or 'claimant' in UK law).