Monetary damages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Monetary damages" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a sum of money awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for loss or injury. Example: "The court awarded her monetary damages for the emotional distress caused by the defendant's actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Monetary damages was not an adequate remedy.

The New York Times

Monetary damages could not compensate AAMC for this damage.

Harvard University

It seeks unspecified monetary damages.

The New York Times

No monetary damages were sought.

The New York Times

It also seeks monetary damages.

The Guardian

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages.

The Guardian

He declined to discuss monetary damages.

The Guardian - Arts

He is seeking unspecified monetary damages.

The New York Times

The lawsuit also seeks unspecified monetary damages.

The New York Times

It also seeks unspecified monetary damages.

The New York Times

The suit seeks no monetary damages.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal writing, pair "monetary damages" with terms like 'sought', 'awarded', or 'claimed' to clearly indicate the status of the damages within the legal process.

Common error

Avoid using "monetary damages" interchangeably with non-monetary remedies like injunctions or specific performance. "Monetary damages" specifically refer to financial compensation, while other remedies address different types of redress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monetary damages" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes financial compensation awarded in legal contexts. It refers to the sum of money intended to offset losses or harm suffered by a plaintiff.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "monetary damages" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to financial compensation awarded in legal contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and primarily functions to denote financial remedies. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, and maintains a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from other forms of legal relief and to specify whether the damages are specified or unspecified. Alternatives include "financial compensation" and "cash award". Overall, understanding the nuances of "monetary damages" enhances clarity and precision in legal and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Financial compensation

Replaces "monetary" with "financial", emphasizing the financial aspect of the compensation.

Financial reparations

Uses "reparations" to suggest a more formal or legal context of compensation.

Cash compensation

Specifies that the compensation is in the form of cash.

Financial settlement

Highlights that the monetary damages are part of a settlement agreement.

Payment for damages

Focuses on the act of paying for the incurred damages.

Damage compensation

Reorders the words to emphasize the damages being compensated.

Financial relief

Indicates that the monetary compensation provides relief from financial burden.

Cash award

Highlights the awarding of cash as a result of a legal decision or settlement.

Pecuniary damages

Replaces "monetary" with "pecuniary", another term relating to money, and is more often used in legal settings.

Indemnification

Implies a broader sense of protection or security against loss or damage, often involving financial compensation.

FAQs

What is the purpose of seeking "monetary damages" in a lawsuit?

Seeking "monetary damages" in a lawsuit aims to compensate the plaintiff for losses or harm suffered due to the defendant's actions. This compensation can cover financial losses, emotional distress, and other quantifiable damages.

What are some alternatives to "monetary damages"?

Alternatives to "monetary damages" include "financial compensation", "financial reparations", or "cash compensation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How do courts determine the amount of "monetary damages" to award?

Courts determine the amount of "monetary damages" by assessing the actual losses incurred by the plaintiff, considering factors such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and, in some cases, emotional distress or pain and suffering.

What's the difference between "monetary damages" and punitive damages?

"Monetary damages" are intended to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses, while punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff directly but serve a broader societal purpose.