launch a libel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launch a libel" is not correct in written English.
The correct expression is "to file a libel" or "to bring a libel action." Example: "The journalist decided to file a libel against the publication for spreading false information about her."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Never launch a libel action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Friday 31 August: The McCanns are to launch a libel action against a Portuguese newspaper that claimed police believe they killed their daughter, it emerges.

The Guardian

31 August It emerges that the McCanns are to launch a libel action against a Portuguese newspaper that claimed police believed they killed their daughter.

The Guardian

And definitely never launch a libel action if you cannot actually remember whether or not you said the words that are in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

31 August: The McCanns launch a libel action against Portuguese newspaper Tal & Qual which claimed "police believe" they killed their daughter.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kitagawa vehemently denied them, and launched a libel suit.

The Guardian

In 2013, he launched a libel action against Forbes for underestimating his fortune.

The Guardian - Business

However the former detective has vehemently denied any involvement and has launched a libel case against him in the High Court.

Independent

Blackpool's owners Owen and Karl Oyston have launched a libel case against a supporters' online forum and are seeking £150,000 of damages.

The Guardian - Sport

The teenager launched a libel action before Christmas, writing to the Daily Star's editor, Dawn Neesom, seeking a public apology.

The Guardian

Mr. Mas, 56, this week launched a libel action against El Mundo, a conservative Madrid newspaper, over corruption and tax evasion allegations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise legal terminology: Instead of "launch a libel", use "file a libel suit" or "bring a libel action" for accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "launch" with libel. "Launch" is typically used with products, campaigns, or initiatives, not legal actions. Using the correct verb enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch a libel" is grammatically incorrect and is not typically used in legal or general contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, the proper phrasing is to file a libel action or bring a libel action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "launch a libel" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests using the correct legal terminology: "file a libel suit" or "bring a libel action". The incorrect usage impacts clarity and credibility, especially in legal contexts where precision is paramount. While there are examples in News & Media sources, it does not validate its usage and indicates incorrect writing, as Ludwig AI confirms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

file a libel suit

Replaces "launch" with "file", which is a more standard verb for initiating legal action.

bring a libel action

Uses "bring" instead of "launch", which is a common way to describe starting a legal case.

initiate libel proceedings

Replaces "launch" with "initiate" and "action" with "proceedings", providing a more formal tone.

commence a libel case

Substitutes "launch" with "commence" and "action" with "case", offering a slightly different phrasing.

start a defamation lawsuit

Replaces "libel" with the more general term "defamation" and "action" with "lawsuit", broadening the scope slightly.

pursue a libel claim

Focuses on the act of pursuing a claim rather than initiating an action, changing the emphasis.

take legal action for libel

This alternative is a more general expression of seeking legal recourse for libel.

sue for libel

Uses the verb "sue" to directly indicate legal action related to libel.

lodge a libel complaint

This alternative emphasizes the act of formally lodging a complaint regarding libel.

institute a libel case

Employs "institute" to convey a formal commencement of a legal case.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say start a libel case?

The correct phrase is to "file a libel suit" or "bring a libel action". "Launch a libel" is not standard legal terminology.

What verbs are typically used with "libel action"?

Common verbs used with "libel action" include "file", "bring", "pursue", and "initiate". For example, "He decided to "pursue a libel claim" against the newspaper".

Can I use "launch" in a legal context?

While "launch" is suitable for describing the start of initiatives or campaigns, it's not appropriate for legal actions. Use more specific verbs like "file", "initiate", or "bring" for legal proceedings.

What is the difference between libel and defamation?

Libel and slander are both forms of defamation. Libel is written defamation, while slander is spoken defamation. Both involve making false statements that harm someone's reputation.