If you have ever written an email, legal note, or blog post and paused at the words “sueing or suing,” you are not alone. Thousands of people search for this keyword every month because the spelling looks confusing at first glance.
English verbs often change form when -ing is added, and not all of them follow the same rules. This leads many writers to guess, and that guess often becomes “sueing.”
The confusion usually comes from how other verbs behave. For example, agree → agreeing keeps the extra “e” sound, so people assume sue → sueing should work the same way.
But English spelling rules are not always consistent, especially with legal and formal words like sue.
This article clears up that confusion once and for all. You will learn which spelling is correct, why the mistake exists, and how British and American English treat this word.
By the end, you will know exactly which spelling to use in emails, legal writing, news articles, and everyday messages without second-guessing yourself.
Sueing or Suing – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is suing.
Sueing is incorrect and not accepted in standard English.
Examples:
- ✅ She is suing the company for damages.
- ❌ She is sueing the company for damages.
The verb sue drops the silent “e” before adding -ing, just like make → making.
The Origin of Sueing or Suing
The word sue comes from Old French suivre and Latin sequi, meaning “to follow” or “to pursue.” Over time, it became a legal term meaning to bring a case to court.
In English spelling, verbs that end in a silent “e” usually drop that e when adding -ing:
- sue → suing
- make → making
- write → writing
The spelling “sueing” appears only because writers try to keep the original form of the word. However, English spelling rules do not allow that here. The extra e is removed to keep pronunciation smooth and consistent.
Read Also.Initialed or Initialled: Which Spelling Is Correct and You Use It?
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English for this word.
| English Type | Correct Spelling | Incorrect Spelling |
| American English | suing | sueing |
| British English | suing | sueing |
| Australian English | suing | sueing |
| Canadian English | suing | sueing |
Both systems follow the same spelling rule. If you seesuing or sueing it is simply a spelling mistake, not a regional variation.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience does not change the answer.
- US audience: Use suing
- UK/Commonwealth audience: Use suing
- Global or professional audience: Use suing
If you want your writing to look professional, legal, or trustworthy, never use “sueing.”
Common Mistakes with Sueing or Suing
Here are frequent errors people make:
- ❌ Adding an extra “e” → sueing
✅ Correct form → suing - ❌ Thinking it is a British variant
✅ Same spelling worldwide - ❌ Copying informal or unedited online text
✅ Always verify with a dictionary
Remember: If the verb ends in silent “e,” drop it before -ing.
Sueing or Suing in Everyday Examples
suing or sueing
- We are considering suing the supplier for breach of contract.
News:
- The actor is suing the studio over unpaid royalties.
Social Media:
- People keep suing companies for data leaks.
Formal Writing:
- The plaintiff is suing the defendant for negligence.
In every case, suing is the only correct choice.
Sueing or Suing – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “sueing or suing” is popular because people are unsure of spelling.
- “Suing” is widely used in legal, news, and academic writing.
- “Sueing” appears mostly in searches, not in published content.
Countries with high search interest include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, usually from students, writers, and non-native English users checking spelling accuracy.
Comparison Table: Sueing vs Suing
| Form | Correct? | Usage |
| suing | ✅ Yes | Standard English |
| sueing | ❌ No | Common spelling error |
FAQs: Sueing or Suing
1. Is sueing ever correct?
No. Sueing is always incorrect.
2. Why does sue drop the “e”?
Because silent “e” is removed before adding -ing.
3. Is suing the same in legal English?
Yes. Legal and general English use the same spelling.
4. Do British people spell it sueing?
No. British English also uses suing.
5. Why do people still write sueing?
Because the base word sue looks confusing when adding -ing.
6. Can sueing appear in dictionaries?
No. Standard dictionaries list only suing.
7. Is suing a verb or noun?
It is the present participle verb form of sue.
Conclusion
The confusion between sueing or suing is common, but the rule is simple once you understand it. Suing is the only correct spelling in modern English. The extra “e” in sue is dropped when adding *-ing, following a standard spelling rule used by many English verbs.
There is no difference between British and American English in this case, which makes the choice even easier. Whether you are writing a legal document, a news article, an email, or a social media post, suing is always the safe and professional option.
Using the wrong spelling can make your writing look careless, especially in formal or legal contexts. Now that you know the rule, you can avoid the mistake with confidence. When in doubt, remember this simple tip: silent “e” goes away before “-ing.” That one rule will help you far beyond just this word.
Henry Watson Fowler was a British lexicographer best known for his work on English usage. His writings focus on clarity, correctness, and practical grammar. Fowler’s approach still influences modern English learners.
