cross complaints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross complaints" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to complaints made by one party against another in response to an initial complaint. Example: "In the lawsuit, both parties filed cross complaints, each alleging negligence on the part of the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, on Monday, charges against him had been dropped, according to CNN. "Cross complaints for harassment were filed and LaBella's assault arrest was voided after detectives investigated further," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told the news network.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This cross complaint reveals why," wrote Knight's attorney, Thaddeus L Culpepper, in the new complaint.

The Guardian - Music

The passenger had apparently charged that he was the one being attacked — a cross complaint — so the taxi-driver had been thrown in jail.

The New Yorker

In a statement sent by his law firm, Goguen said the matter was purely personal, with no connection to Sequoia, and that he would file a cross complaint on Monday.

The Guardian - Tech

My departure from there allows me to focus with full force on clearing my name and vigorously pursuing justice – starting on Monday morning with the filing of my cross complaint alleging extortion".

TechCrunch

The cross complaint will include an enormous amount of evidence, and cite contemporaneous emails and texts, that will help paint a full and complete picture of this entire matter.

TechCrunch

Cross Complaint.

Huffington Post

Miss West finally filed a cross complaint, asking only a divorce and it was finally granted.

Los Angeles Times

Nelson's lawyer filed a cross-complaint against the groundskeeper, Paul Williams, earlier this month.

The New York Times - Sports

Hanley's Nicola Six Limited then filed a cross-complaint against Cullen.

The Guardian - Film

Kanter's cross-complaint called Kay's mother, Cindy, a "stage mom".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross complaints", ensure that both parties involved are indeed filing complaints against each other, not just responding to a single complaint. The term implies a reciprocal action.

Common error

Avoid using "cross complaints" when one party is merely responding to the initial complaint without filing a separate, opposing complaint. In such cases, "response to complaint" or "defense" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross complaints" functions as a noun phrase, typically within legal or formal contexts. It describes a situation involving reciprocal or opposing complaints filed by different parties, as indicated by Ludwig AI's analysis and confirmed by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross complaints" is a grammatically sound but infrequent noun phrase used to describe situations where multiple parties involved in a dispute file complaints against each other. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in legal or formal settings, predominantly found in News & Media. Alternative expressions, such as "counter claims" or "reciprocal complaints", may offer more common or nuanced ways to convey the same meaning, depending on the context. Ensure mutual actions are present and consider audience formality when deciding to use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counter claims

This alternative is shorter and more common.

reciprocal complaints

This alternative emphasizes the mutual nature of the complaints.

mutual accusations

This alternative focuses on the act of accusing each other.

counter allegations

This alternative is similar to "counter claims" but used in less formal context.

reverse grievances

This alternative highlights the grievances each side has against the other.

retaliatory accusations

This alternative suggests that the accusations are made in response to previous accusations.

opposing complaints

This alternative emphasizes that the complaints are in opposition to each other.

dual lawsuits

This alternative refers specifically to legal actions.

conflicting charges

This alternative is mostly useful in legal contexts and emphasizes the idea of "charges" instead of "complaints".

corresponding grievances

This alternative underlines the symmetry between the grievances of both parts.

FAQs

What does "cross complaints" mean in a legal context?

In law, "cross complaints" refers to a situation where both parties involved in a dispute file complaints against each other. This is distinct from a simple defense or response to a single complaint.

Are there synonyms for "cross complaints"?

Yes, alternative terms include "counter claims", "reciprocal complaints", and "mutual accusations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the term "cross complaints"?

The term "cross complaints" is generally considered formal, suitable for legal or official contexts. In more informal settings, phrases like "mutual accusations" might be more appropriate.

Is "cross complaints" different from a counterclaim?

While related, a counterclaim is a specific type of claim filed by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit. "Cross complaints" is a broader term that can refer to separate but related complaints filed by both parties, potentially even in separate legal actions.