are liable for

USAGE SUMMARY

"are liable for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone is responsible for a particular act or consequence. For example, "The board of directors are liable for any losses the company incurs during their tenure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they fail, they are liable for their negligence.

The Guardian - Tech

If they go wrong, companies are liable for compensation.

Independent

"The fact they didn't succeed does not mean they are liable for the atrocities".

Independent

Web sites are liable for advertising that breaks federal criminal law.

The New York Times

"Employers are liable for employees' torts committed within the scope of employment.

The New York Times - Sports

In contrast, individual members of general partnerships are liable for all obligations of the firm.

The New York Times

Instead, they are classified as international students and are liable for higher fees.

The Guardian

If the lender forgives that difference, they are liable for income taxes on that amount.

The New York Times

This runs contrary to the presumption under New York law that landlords are liable for rebuilding.

The New York Times

"You work for Arthur Andersen, you commit malpractice, you are liable for that malpractice.

The New York Times

An increase in the threshold before estates are liable for inheritance tax is one possible surprise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are liable for", clearly specify the action, outcome, or debt for which the subject is responsible to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company is liable for damages caused by its products" is clearer than "The company is liable."

Common error

Be careful not to use "are liable for" when simply indicating general responsibility. Liability often implies a legal or financial obligation, whereas responsibility can be broader. Use "are responsible for" for general duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are liable for" functions as a predicate adjective expressing legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig examples show it defining obligations for individuals, companies, and even states. As stated by Ludwig AI, it indicates accountability for actions or consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are liable for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for expressing accountability. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence across diverse fields like news, academia, and science, as well as sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While often used interchangeably with "are responsible for", it carries a stronger legal connotation. Understanding the nuances of "are liable for" is essential for clear and precise communication, especially in formal or legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are responsible for

Indicates a general sense of duty or accountability; very close in meaning to the original phrase.

are held liable for

Focuses on the legal or formal aspect of being responsible, often in a court of law.

are accountable for

Implies a formal obligation to explain or justify actions; carries a slightly stronger emphasis on justification.

are answerable for

Suggests a need to provide an explanation or be held to account for something.

bear the responsibility for

Emphasizes the burden or weight of the responsibility.

are subject to

Indicates that someone is under the authority or control of something, implying potential consequences.

are obligated to

Highlights a duty, legally or morally enforced, to take action to satisfy an agreement or law.

are to blame for

Directly assigns fault or culpability for a negative outcome.

are compelled to

Highlights that action is not voluntary, and someone is forced to be responsible for something.

carry the can for

An informal idiom meaning to take the blame or responsibility, often unfairly.

FAQs

What does "are liable for" mean?

The phrase "are liable for" means that someone is legally or financially responsible for something, such as a debt, damage, or obligation. It implies a potential legal consequence or requirement to provide compensation.

When should I use "are liable for" instead of "are responsible for"?

Use "are liable for" when referring to a legal or financial obligation or consequence. Use "are responsible for" when referring to a general duty or task. Liability is a specific form of responsibility with legal implications.

What are some alternatives to saying "are liable for"?

You can use alternatives like "are responsible for", "are accountable for", or "are answerable for" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can someone be both responsible and liable for the same thing?

Yes, it's possible. For example, a homeowner might be generally responsible for maintaining their property, but also legally liable for any injuries that occur due to negligence in maintaining that property.