Cool MateSue
UK /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/US /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to make a claim against a person or an organization in court about something that they have said or done to harm you
In simple words: To take a person to court to solve a problem or get money.
Examples
- They threatened to sue if the work was not completed.
- to sue somebody for breach of contract
- to sue somebody for $10 million *(= in order to get money from somebody)*
- to **sue somebody for damages**
- He threatened to sue the company for negligence.
- The water authority was successfully sued over his illness.
- to sue for divorce
- The rebels were forced to sue for peace.
Usage notes
Used in legal contexts. More common in formal situations. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing legal matters.
Grammar pattern
sue + object
Memory hint
Think of 'sue' as 'you sue' someone when they wrong you.
Collocations
- successfully
- unsuccessfully
- promptly
- be able to
- be entitled to
- have the right to
- for
- over
- successfully
- unsuccessfully
- promptly
- be able to
- be entitled to
- have the right to
- for
- over
Synonyms
- litigate
- prosecute
- take to court
- bring a case against
Antonyms
- defend
- ignore
- abstain
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'pursue' as in to chase someone.
- Using it incorrectly as a transitive verb without an object, e.g., 'I will sue.' needs a direct object.
- Confusion between 'sue' and 'sue for' in context of specific damages or rights.