suesue /sjuː $ suː/ ●○○ verb [intransitive, transitive] 
If the builders don’t fulfil their side of the contract, we’ll sue. The company is suing a former employee.sue (somebody) for libel/defamation/negligence/slander etc Miss James could not afford to sue for libel. She was suing doctors for negligence over the loss of her child. The railway may sue for damages (=in order to get money) because of loss of revenue. He is being sued for divorce (=in order to end a marriage) by his wife.2sue for peace formal if a country or army sues for peace, they ask for peace, especially because there is no other good choice: They had hoped to force the North to sue for peace.
WORD ORIGINsue
Origin:
1100-1200 Anglo-French suer ‘to follow, make a legal claim to’, from Vulgar Latin sequere, from Latin sequi; ➔ SEQUENCEVERB TABLE
sue
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | sue |
| he, she, it | sues | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | sued |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have sued |
| he, she, it | has sued | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had sued |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will sue |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have sued |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am suing |
| he, she, it | is suing | |
| you, we, they | are suing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was suing |
| you, we, they | were suing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been suing |
| he, she, it | has been suing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been suing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be suing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been suing |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- If that does not work, the party will sue the state.
- It seems never to have been doubted that a corporation created by Royal Charter can sue for libel.
- There is nothing in the contract that would prevent Jody from suing.
WORD SETS
access, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Miss James could not afford to sue for libel. She was suing doctors for negligence over the loss of her child. The railway may sue for damages (=in order to get money) because of loss of revenue. He is being sued for divorce (=in order to end a marriage) by his wife.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Holt sued the newspaper for libel. He is being sued for slander.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
Miss James could not afford to sue for libel. She was suing doctors for negligence over the loss of her child. The railway may sue for damages (=in order to get money) because of loss of revenue. He is being sued for divorce (=in order to end a marriage) by his wife. Holt sued the newspaper for libel. He is being sued for slander.· Two of his victims successfully sued him and the plaintiff then tried to recover the damages from the defendant.· He was vindicated when he successfully sued the tabloid that broke the story for libel.· Yet this greedy pair have successfully sued a fertility clinic for giving them three healthy babies instead of two.· The City was sued successfully by the Youth Law Center in 1990 over conditions there and has been searching for alternatives since.
NOUN· The dealer contemplated suing the recruitment agency until he found a better job.
· If a local authority was unable to sue in libel it would not, however, be without recourse to the courts.· If a corporate public authority is unable to sue for libel it is, however, by no means without remedy.
· Any well-drafted transfer will therefore provide for the transfer of the right to sue for such breaches.· The owners of the property on which the sign sat sued Bressler for breach of contract.· His remedy was to sue for breach of contract.· Before then, unions could not be sued for breach of these agreements.· She and the company's chairman, Weng You-ming, were being sued for breach of trust in the sale.· He sued for breach of contract.· Fiona is advised by fellow students that she can sue Uncle Tom for breach of contract.· He can not sue the manufacturer for breach of the latter's contract of sale.
· The posters were withdrawn after the tobacco industry sued the city council.· Levada threatened to sue the city to get his way.· The developer, in turn, sued the city and Pilachowski, setting off a lengthy legal battle.
· My own company sued me, didn't you know?· They are the company we are suing.· The company always sues those who mimic them, and almost always wins.· Companies A company may sue for defamation, but only in respect of statements which damage its business reputation.· Nevertheless each member of the court held that the company could sue to protect its trading reputation.· The Sheila na gigh bus company was suing for the loss of its only bus and Mr Patel for his Woodbine machine.· Another company, Tatung has sued, too.
· His remedy was to sue for breach of contract.· The agency has sued to nullify the contract, claiming it was illegal.· He can of course sue upon his own contract of sale, i.e. sue the retailer.· He sued for breach of contract.
· The Paradise Corporation was suing three of the city's leading newspapers.· A corporation may sue for a libel affecting property, not for one merely affecting personal reputation.
· I may not for instance sue somebody in a court of law.· He later admitted to having stage-managed the attack and was sued for contempt of court.· It would seem to follow from that that the unsuccessful plaintiff can sue again in the court of the defendant's domicile.· He believed his boss had violated the age-discrimination law, and he sued in federal court.· Simpson was acquitted in 1995 and is now being sued in civil court by the victims' families.· It said federal banking law does not let one bank sue another in federal court over hot-check disputes.
· The Department of Trade opposed his application to sue for damages.· A person who is libeled can sue for damages.· Read in studio Traders who've gone out of business in a showpiece shopping complex are suing the developers for damages.· Ten plaintiffs are suing the companies for damages from the blast.· The purchaser may wish to accept repudiation and sue for damages.· We are taking details, legal advice and our rights to sue for damages are fully reserved.· In this case, the contract may be set aside and the buyer will be able to sue for damages.· But an employee not giving proper notice of termination of employment may be sued for damages by the employer.
· Primafacie that right will be interfered with by a public authority if the maker of the statement is sued for defamation.· Companies A company may sue for defamation, but only in respect of statements which damage its business reputation.
· He sued the defendants on the grounds of their vicarious liability for his brother's negligence and breach of statutory duty.· His widow sued the defendants for negligence.· The plaintiff sued the defendants for breach of contract to exercise due care in giving him financial advice.
· These pictures were the most sensational evidence when her second husband, the Duke of Argyll, sued for divorce.· Her granddaughter the Countess Olenska wishes to sue her husband for divorce.
· For example, how will suing your former employer affect your chances of finding another job?· A stone fell and injured the plaintiff and he sued his employers for negligence.
· The bill would allow smokers and their surviving families to sue the tobacco firms.
· Now the Government is trying to sue me, and that is persecution.· An affronted Legislature has changed the law so that Texas governments can no longer sue those seeking records.
· But 14 more states and several localities have sued the industry since then.· Eight states have sued the industry, seeking to recover the Medicaid insurance costs of treating poor people with tobacco-related diseases.· Others divest Action by state pension funds on tobacco-related holdings is not limited to the states that have sued the industry.
· They passed legislation that often made it impossible for ordinary citizens to sue for their injuries.· So in practice no-fault laws have allowed people to sue if their injuries are serious enough.
· Hearst says she has consulted a lawyer and is considering suing Bailey.
· It seems never to have been doubted that a corporation created by Royal Charter can sue for libel.· Trade unions Trade unions, and most other unincorporated associations can not sue for libel.· If a corporate public authority is unable to sue for libel it is, however, by no means without remedy.· Moreover, none of the allegedly violent police interrogators named in both books have sued for libel.· She had sued him for libel.· A corporation may sue for a libel affecting property, not for one merely affecting personal reputation.
· In that case the contractor sought to sue the engineer for losses arising from alleged under-certification of the amounts due to the contractor.· The Sheila na gigh bus company was suing for the loss of its only bus and Mr Patel for his Woodbine machine.· He is one of 35 local people who is considering suing the authority for loss of business because of the algae.· It sued to recover its loss.
· So suppose an adult sniffs glue making himself very ill and subsequently sues the glue manufacturer.· Medtronic Inc. v. Lohr: Federal law does not prevent patients from suing manufacturers of defective medical devices in state courts.· This relieves the employee of the need to identify and sue the manufacturer of the defective equipment.· He can not sue the manufacturer for breach of the latter's contract of sale.
· His widow sued the defendants for negligence.· He could also sue Alan for negligence.· They decided to sue the farm for negligence and today they won an historic test case at the County Court in Swindon.· The plaintiff was injured and sued in negligence.· A stone fell and injured the plaintiff and he sued his employers for negligence.· Mr Bird issued a writ three years ago. he plans to sue for professional negligence.· If Brian sued John for negligence he could be met with the defences of volenti non fit injuria and contributory negligence.
· Read in studio A former maid of the Princess Royal has won the right to sue a national newspaper.· Pitka claimed that these words were false and defamatory and sued the newspaper for libel.
· It then sued the former owners to force them to pay for the cleanup.· After Pinocchio eats his way through a local bakery, Gepetto is sued by the owners for full restitution.
· A spokesman for Tewkesbury Council said he couldn't comment on the parents plans to sue.· Crushed to death: boy's parents say they may sue for damages.· Stephen Lawrence's parents are suing 42 officers involved in the failed investigation of his murder, including Sir Paul.
· A creditor of the partnership may therefore sue any partner for the full amount of the debt.· Barneys said it will sue partner Isetan to recoup more than $ 50 million.· The closely held retailer said it would sue its partner to recoup more than $ 50 million it claims was unfairly withdrawn.
· For example, if the cost of injuries exceeds $ 5, 000, the other party may be sued.· The jury, then as now, was never permitted to know there was an insurance company behind the party being sued.· If that does not work, the party will sue the state.
· But Richard was in no mood to sue for peace.· She was compelled to sue for peace and under the terms of the Treaty of Paris was disarmed on the Black Sea.· They are prepared to sue for peace.
· There had been conflicting opinions by individual judges on whether injuries must be sustained by a living person before next-of-kin could sue.· That person may sue for any trespass committed since the accrual of the right of entry.· Thus, execution in rem can have been available only where the person sued was actually in possession of the object.
· Under the Act the plaintiff can sue either.· Ten plaintiffs are suing the companies for damages from the blast.· Had the plaintiff sued his brother then the action would have failed on the grounds of volenti.· Some furs were stolen from the room while the plaintiffs were out, and the plaintiffs sued the hotel.· It was not worth the plaintiff suing the driver as he was uninsured and had no money.· The plaintiff was injured and sued in negligence.· Only in these five cases may the plaintiff sue for slander without having to prove financial loss.· The plaintiff had sued one member, Hunter, of a committee of the management of a hospital which had engaged him.
· This point was illustrated by a New York case in which a student, Bruce Gross, sued a parachute training school.· He then sued school officials, claiming that his work was of passing quality and that he should not have been dismissed.· The alternative is to sue the school, which parents regularly do over matters of questionable significance.
· Dramatists or actors whose work is maliciously booed or hissed off the stage would sue their tormentors for slander rather than libel.· Can a teacher sue a principal for slander for making critical remarks about his or her teaching techniques?· Of course he'd sue me for slander if l made the accusation publicly.· Only in these five cases may the plaintiff sue for slander without having to prove financial loss.
· Eight states have sued the industry, seeking to recover the Medicaid insurance costs of treating poor people with tobacco-related diseases.· Others divest Action by state pension funds on tobacco-related holdings is not limited to the states that have sued the industry.
· Fiona is advised by fellow students that she can sue Uncle Tom for breach of contract.· Can students sue teachers for giving them low grades?· Can students sue teachers for negative statements made in letters of recommendation?
· The bill would allow smokers and their surviving families to sue the tobacco firms.
VERB· Had it gone ahead, companies would have been allowed to sue countries for the removal of the laws restraining them.· Despite this release, the court allowed Gross to sue.· So in practice no-fault laws have allowed people to sue if their injuries are serious enough.· Both countries already have adopted laws that allow their nationals to sue the United States if affected by Helms-Burton.· The suit was filed under a provision of the False Claims Act that allows individuals to sue companies defrauding the government.
· Other investors have hired attorneys and are deciding whom to sue.· They decided to sue the farm for negligence and today they won an historic test case at the County Court in Swindon.· Cameron decide whether to sue in state or federal court?· Following a judge's refusal to prevent the Gagosian show taking place, Sonnabend have decided to sue.· Once fund managers see the sequence of events leading to the share price collapse, they will decide whether to sue.
· An author who has not approved the apology is entitled to sue the person who has issued it.
· Levada threatened to sue the city to get his way.· The Guildford Four threatened to sue him.· And on March 20, a man argued with and threatened to sue two intake clerks who refused to record his documents.· McAvennie threatened to sue Kamara but dropped the idea when it was established that the injury would not end his career.· Two black men who had been jurors in the Bristol riots trial in 1981 threatened to sue Lord Denning for libel.· They also threatened to sue First Alert.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1to make a legal claim against someone, especially for money, because they have harmed you in some way: - They had hoped to force the North to sue for peace.
- But Richard was in no mood to sue for peace.
- She was compelled to sue for peace and under the terms of the Treaty of Paris was disarmed on the Black Sea.
- They are prepared to sue for peace.
If the builders don’t fulfil their side of the contract, we’ll sue. The company is suing a former employee.sue (somebody) for libel/defamation/negligence/slander etc Miss James could not afford to sue for libel. She was suing doctors for negligence over the loss of her child. The railway may sue for damages (=in order to get money) because of loss of revenue. He is being sued for divorce (=in order to end a marriage) by his wife.2sue for peace formal if a country or army sues for peace, they ask for peace, especially because there is no other good choice: They had hoped to force the North to sue for peace.