summons
C1/C2 (High-Intermediate to Advanced; common in legal, administrative, and formal contexts)Formal, Legal, Official. Rarely used informally.
Definition
Meaning
A formal order issued by a court or other authority commanding a person to appear at a specific place and time, typically to answer a charge or participate in legal proceedings.
As a verb, to serve such an order. More generally, any authoritative or urgent call to appear or attend, often carrying legal or official weight.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is a singular noun that looks plural ('-s' ending) but takes a singular verb (e.g., 'The summons is here'). The plural is 'summonses'. The verb is regular ('summonsed' or 'summoned').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically in core legal meaning. In very formal UK contexts, 'writ' might be used for specific types of summons. The verb form 'summonsed' is more common in UK legal drafting, while 'summoned' is often used interchangeably in the US.
Connotations
Strongly associated with the power of the state or judiciary. Can imply an unwelcome obligation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in legal contexts in both varieties. Almost non-existent in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Authority] issued a summons to [Person/Entity][Person] was served with a summons for [Reason/Charge]to summons [Person] to [Court/Place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Heed the summons (formal/literary: respond to a call)”
- “A summons from on high (humorous/exaggerated: a call from a superior)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Possible in regulatory contexts, e.g., 'The company received a summons from the financial regulator.'
Academic
Used in legal studies, history, or political science discussing judicial processes.
Everyday
Virtually unused, except when discussing personal legal matters.
Technical
Core term in law, legal procedure, and administrative law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The magistrate summonsed the witness to appear next Tuesday.
- He was formally summonsed for jury duty.
American English
- The court summoned the defendant to a hearing.
- She was summonsed to testify before the grand jury.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not typical at this level)
- He got a summons for a parking fine.
- I have to go to court because of a summons.
- Ignoring a court summons can result in a warrant for your arrest.
- The council issued a summons to the landlord for health and safety violations.
- The committee exercised its power to summons ministers to give evidence.
- Her lawyer scrutinised the summons, checking the validity of the charges listed.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUMMONer in a game who calls forth creatures. A SUMMONS is the official document that 'calls forth' a person to court.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LAW IS A SUMMONER / AN OFFICIAL REQUEST IS A FORMAL COMMAND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'повестка' (military draft notice) in non-legal contexts. The legal 'судебная повестка' or 'вызов в суд' is correct. Avoid literal translations like 'призывы' (calls/appeals).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural noun (e.g., 'I got three summons' - incorrect; should be 'three summonses').
- Using a plural verb (e.g., 'The summons are ready' - incorrect; should be 'The summons is ready').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'summons'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun. However, it can also be used as a verb meaning 'to serve with a summons', though the more common verb is 'summon'.
You say 'a summons was issued' because 'summons' is a singular noun despite its '-s' ending.
A summons is a general order to appear in court, often for a defendant. A subpoena is a specific type of summons that commands a person to produce evidence or testify as a witness.
It would sound very formal and out of place. In casual talk, you'd say 'I got a letter from the court' or 'I have to go to court'.
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