What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
litigate
Example
The company decided to litigate the matter in court. [litigate: verb]
Example
The litigating parties were unable to reach a settlement outside of court. [litigating: gerund or present participle]
prosecute
Example
The district attorney decided to prosecute the suspect for theft. [prosecute: verb]
Example
The prosecution presented their case to the jury, outlining the evidence against the defendant. [prosecution: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prosecute is more commonly used than litigate in everyday language, as it is often associated with criminal cases that receive more media attention. However, both terms are important legal concepts that are used in various legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between litigate and prosecute?
Both litigate and prosecute are formal terms used in legal settings. However, prosecute may be considered more formal due to its association with criminal cases and the severity of potential penalties.
