C1verb 10K+

Sue

🇬🇧 UK /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Sue

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.

Sue in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Sue

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.

Related words

Collocations with Sue

• 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 for Sue

• litigate
• prosecute
• take to court
• bring a case against

Opposites of Sue

• defend
• ignore
• abstain

Common mistakes with Sue

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Sue

What does Sue mean?

To take a person to court to solve a problem or get money.

What is the definition of Sue?

to make a claim against a person or an organization in court about something that they have said or done to harm you

How do you use Sue in a sentence?

They threatened to sue if the work was not completed.

Can you give another example of Sue?

to sue somebody for breach of contract

What are synonyms for Sue?

Common alternatives include litigate, prosecute, take to court, bring a case against.

What is the opposite of Sue?

Opposite meanings include defend, ignore, abstain.

What words go with Sue?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Sue?

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.

How do you pronounce Sue?

US: /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/suː/","/suːz/","/suːd/","/ˈsuːɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sue?

Used in legal contexts. More common in formal situations. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing legal matters.

What CEFR level is Sue?

"Sue" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.