going to trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that a case is proceeding to a formal court hearing. Example: "After months of negotiations, the parties have decided that the dispute will be going to trial next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're going to trial".

The New York Times

Otherwise, we're going to trial".

The New Yorker

Going to trial?

The Washington Post

Now, they're going to trial.

The Washington Post

"He's going to trial," the judge said.

The Washington Post

Going to trial, it's said, is like rolling the dice.

Harvard University

He could even end up going to trial.

The New York Times

"We are definitely going to trial," he added.

The New York Times

Many other lawsuits have been settled without going to trial.

The New York Times - Science

The case was thrown out without going to trial.

The New York Times

Kirwan eventually urged Wright against going to trial.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal proceedings, use "going to trial" to clearly indicate that a case will be formally presented in court. This phrase is widely understood and accepted in both legal and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "going to trial" loosely. It specifically implies that a formal trial will occur. Using it when a settlement or other resolution is more likely can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to trial" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically indicates the action or process of a legal case being presented and argued in a court of law. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going to trial" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a legal case is proceeding to court. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news, media, and academic writing. While alternatives exist, such as "proceeding to trial", the original phrase is well-understood and accepted. Remember that using "going to trial" implies a formal trial setting, so avoid using it loosely when a settlement is more likely. Be aware of the potential risks associated with "going to trial", including unpredictable outcomes and high costs. Using the phrase correctly will ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeding to trial

Replaces the gerund form with a present participle, focusing on the action of proceeding.

standing trial

Highlights the defendant's position in the trial process.

facing trial

Emphasizes the challenge or adversity of undergoing a trial.

litigating the case

Uses a more formal verb to describe the act of pursuing a case in court.

taking the case to court

Focuses on the action of bringing a case before a judicial body.

presenting evidence in court

Highlights a specific aspect of the trial process.

having one's day in court

An idiomatic expression indicating the opportunity to present one's case.

engaging in litigation

Uses a more formal term for the legal process.

arguing the case before a judge

Focuses on the act of presenting arguments in a legal setting.

contesting the matter in court

Emphasizes the act of disputing a claim within the legal system.

FAQs

How can I use "going to trial" in a sentence?

You can use "going to trial" to indicate that a case will proceed to a formal court hearing, such as: "After failed negotiations, the case is "going to trial" next month."

What's a less formal way to say "going to trial"?

While "going to trial" is already fairly neutral, you could say "going to court" for a slightly less formal tone, though it may lack the specific implication of a full trial.

Is it better to say "going to trial" or "proceeding to trial"?

"Going to trial" and "proceeding to trial" are largely interchangeable. "Going to trial" is more common in everyday language, while "proceeding to trial" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What are the potential risks of "going to trial"?

The risks of "going to trial" include unpredictable outcomes, significant legal costs, and the potential for a lengthy and stressful process. Settlement negotiations are often pursued to avoid these risks.