courts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to the legal system, referring to places where legal cases are heard and decided. Example: "The courts are responsible for upholding the law and ensuring justice is served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ordered that the execution should be delayed for at least 30 days, while a Georgia court of appeals imposed its own stay to give the courts more time to consider the propriety of the single lethal injection as a method of killing.

The Guardian

"This is a circumscribed narrow system, directed at us being able to protect our people and all of it is done with the oversight of the courts".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, here in the west, unchallenged by international courts, Norway, Iceland and Greenland continue whaling.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not like I never win tournaments on hard courts or clay.

The Guardian - Sport

In similar cases, the court has wished to remain above the legal fray, leaving the argument to be fought out by the lower courts.

The Guardian

"If the foreign country prevails, the panel can order compensation from American taxpayers without any review by American courts," Warren warned.

The Guardian - Business

The announcement also has united Sweet Briar graduates from around the world in hopes of reversing the decision and the local county attorney has attempted to blunt the closure through the courts.

The Guardian

With about 30 minutes to go before Hill was injected with a fatal dose of the sedative pentobarbital, two separate courts stepped in to impose a temporary delay in the proceedings.

The Guardian

Rusbridger said he could have resisted in the courts, but that this could have taken up to a year and that during this time the Guardian would not have been allowed to write about this material.

The Guardian

A moderate form of sharia was introduced in the majority-Muslim northern states in the 1990s, but it operates alongside secular courts.

The Guardian

The courts must have nothing to do with religious belief, and must ensure that whatever is contrary to the law is punishable, no matter what the religion of the offender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "courts" to clearly indicate the institutions responsible for adjudicating disputes and interpreting laws. Consider the specific type of court (e.g. supreme court, appellate court) to provide greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "courts" interchangeably with terms like "courtyard" or "courtship". "Courts" refers to legal institutions, while "courtyard" is an open space and "courtship" is the process of seeking someone's affection.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "courts" is as a noun, typically in the plural form. It refers to the institutional bodies responsible for administering justice. Ludwig examples show how it is used to describe specific courts or the court system in general.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "courts" is a common noun phrase referring to legal institutions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, opinion pieces, and formal business writing. While it maintains a neutral to professional register, understanding its role in conveying legal and governmental information is essential. When using the term, ensure clarity and precision by specifying the type of court or legal context involved. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into the correct usage and varied applications of "courts" in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law courts

Highlights the specific setting where legal proceedings occur.

tribunals

A shorter synonym, generally referring to more specialized legal bodies.

legal tribunals

Emphasizes the formal and authoritative aspect of legal decision-making bodies.

judicial systems

Focuses on the organized structure and processes of the legal framework.

judiciaries

Refers to the branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying laws.

appellate courts

Specifically refers to courts that hear appeals from lower courts.

supreme courts

Specifically refers to the highest court in a jurisdiction.

legal authorities

Broadly describes entities with the power to enforce laws and regulations.

courtrooms

Focuses on the physical spaces where courts convene.

halls of justice

A more figurative and evocative way to refer to court buildings.

FAQs

How is the word "courts" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "courts" refers to the institutions or tribunals responsible for hearing and deciding legal cases. They interpret laws, administer justice, and resolve disputes between parties.

What are some synonyms for "courts" in a legal setting?

Synonyms for "courts" in a legal setting include "legal tribunals", "judicial systems", and "law courts". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "the court is" or "the courts are"?

When referring to a specific court as a singular entity, use "the court is". When referring to the system of courts or multiple courts, use "the courts are". For example, "The court is now in session" versus "The courts are responsible for upholding the law".

What's the difference between "courts" and "tribunals"?

"Courts" generally refers to the formal judicial system. "Tribunals" may refer to more specialized or administrative bodies that also resolve disputes, but often outside the traditional court system.