can be sued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sued" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English. It means that a person or entity has the potential to be taken to court and held legally responsible for their actions. Example: "By signing the contract, the company agrees that they can be sued for any breach of agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can be sued.

The New York Times

They can be sued otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

The statute does not explicitly say who can be sued.

The New York Times

People can be sued for things published in academic journals.

The Guardian

A physician who makes a negligent decision can be sued.

The New York Times

If the government violates either title, it can be sued for civil damages under either Title.

Harvard University

And if Obama can't be impeached, well, he can be sued.

The New Yorker

But it did not say whether corporations can be sued under that statute.

The New York Times

At issue were the circumstances in which a company can be sued for "scheme liability".

The Economist

The notice of claim is a legally required move before the city can be sued.

The New York Times

He added, "And if they are required to disclose, then they can be sued".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be sued", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what entity is subject to legal action. Be specific about the potential grounds for the lawsuit to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sued" without specifying the potential plaintiff or the legal basis for the lawsuit. For example, instead of saying "Businesses can be sued", specify "Businesses "can be sued for breach of contract" or negligence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sued" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of legal action being taken against someone or something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it highlights the potential for an entity to become the defendant in a lawsuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be sued" is a common and grammatically sound expression indicating the potential for legal action against an entity. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. The most authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and The Washington Post. While grammatically straightforward, ensuring clarity regarding who or what is subject to suit and the grounds for such action is crucial. Alternatives like "is liable to be sued" or "is subject to legal action" offer subtle variations in meaning. Due to its widespread use, "can be sued" remains a clear and effective way to convey the risk of legal repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is liable to be sued

This alternative emphasizes the legal responsibility or obligation that makes someone susceptible to a lawsuit.

is subject to legal action

This phrase highlights the vulnerability to legal proceedings.

may face litigation

This suggests the possibility of being involved in a lawsuit.

is open to a lawsuit

This alternative indicates the possibility of a lawsuit being initiated.

is at risk of being sued

This phrasing highlights the potential danger or exposure to a lawsuit.

could be held accountable in court

This emphasizes the potential for legal accountability.

might be taken to court

This is a more direct and simpler way of saying someone could be sued.

is susceptible to a claim

This suggests vulnerability to a legal claim or demand.

bears legal responsibility

This places emphasis on the existence of a legal duty that, if breached, can lead to a lawsuit.

faces the prospect of litigation

This alternative focuses on the potential or likelihood of facing legal proceedings.

FAQs

How is "can be sued" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "can be sued" indicates that an individual, company, or entity is legally liable and subject to potential lawsuits for their actions or omissions. It implies a legal responsibility that, if breached, may lead to litigation.

What are some synonyms for "can be sued"?

Alternatives to "can be sued" include "is liable to be sued", "is subject to legal action", or "may face litigation", each carrying slightly different nuances of legal exposure.

Which is correct: "can be sued" or "can sue"?

"Can be sued" indicates a passive role, meaning someone else can bring a lawsuit against the subject. "Can sue", on the other hand, implies an active role, meaning the subject has the right to initiate a lawsuit against someone else. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What factors determine whether someone "can be sued"?

Whether someone "can be sued" depends on several factors, including jurisdiction, the existence of a valid cause of action (legal claim), standing (the right to bring a lawsuit), and whether the statute of limitations (time limit for filing a lawsuit) has expired.