assume the liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume the liability" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or business contexts to indicate that someone is taking on responsibility for potential risks or damages. Example: "By signing this contract, you agree to assume the liability for any damages that may occur during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Another way to address China's concerns about risk would be for the I.M.F. to assume the liability.

The New York Times

Mr. Hunter pointed to earthquake-prone Chile, where builders must assume the liability for catastrophic earthquake damage for 10 years after construction.

The New York Times

The final treaty also forced Spain to cede all claim to Cuba and to agree to assume the liability for the Cuban debt, estimated at $400 million.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would assume the liability for health care benefits for current and retired workers and their families, which G.M. estimates at about $55 billion.

The New York Times

Because bankruptcy case law is murky on the matter, G.M. and the auto task force chose to assume the liability instead of risking a delay of the company's emergence from bankruptcy.

The New York Times

When companies have been sold or merged, the successor company as well as the current property owner assume the liability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ratner disputed that account, saying he always expected to assume the liabilities but pressed for protection against the team's losses.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are in the process of selling a significant number of assets prior to presenting our restructuring program to our creditors," said Stephen D. Weinroth, Integrated's chairman and chief executive Bombardier, based in Montreal, has agreed to assume the liabilities associated with Learjet, including loans outstanding under the jet manufacturer's $38 million credit line.

The New York Times

ASB was formed in connection with the spin-off and will acquire the assets and assume the liabilities relating to the business that has historically been operated by Yahoo under the name "Yahoo!

Forbes

As a result, LJM2 assumed the liability.

The New York Times

A pension company assumes the liability of future obligations and thus has the incentive to ensure that plans are fully funded at all times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting contracts, clearly define who will "assume the liability" for specific potential risks to avoid future disputes. Clearly specify the conditions under which the liability is transferred or shared.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the exact scope and nature of the "liability" being assumed. For example, specify whether it includes financial, legal, or reputational damages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume the liability" functions as a verbal phrase where "assume" acts as a transitive verb taking "liability" as its direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates the act of taking on responsibility for potential risks or damages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume the liability" is a phrase used to denote the acceptance of legal or financial responsibility, primarily found in professional contexts such as business, legal documents, and news reports. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal English. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the scope of the liability to prevent misunderstandings. Related phrases include "accept the liability" and "take on the liability", each with slight differences in nuance. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is well-established and understood, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary when discussing responsibility and obligations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept the liability

Replaces "assume" with "accept", focusing on the willingness to take on the responsibility.

take on the liability

Uses "take on" instead of "assume", suggesting a proactive acceptance of the responsibility.

bear the liability

Substitutes "assume" with "bear", implying enduring the responsibility.

shoulder the liability

Replaces "assume" with "shoulder", suggesting the act of carrying the responsibility.

become liable

Focuses on the resulting state of being responsible rather than the act of assuming.

incur the liability

Highlights the act of bringing the responsibility upon oneself.

take responsibility for

Broadens the phrase to encompass a wider range of responsibilities, not just liabilities.

accept responsibility for

Focuses on accepting responsibility, which can include but isn't limited to, liability.

take on the onus

Replaces "liability" with "onus", emphasizing the burden or obligation.

become accountable for

Shifts the focus to accountability, meaning being answerable for the outcomes.

FAQs

What does "assume the liability" mean?

To "assume the liability" means to accept legal or financial responsibility for something, such as potential damages, debts, or obligations. It signifies taking on the burden or risk associated with a particular action or situation.

What are some alternatives to "assume the liability"?

You can use alternatives such as "accept the liability", "take on the liability", or "bear the liability" depending on the context.

How is "assume the liability" used in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "assume the liability" often appears in contracts, agreements, or settlements where one party agrees to be responsible for potential claims, losses, or debts that another party might face. It's a formal way to transfer risk and responsibility.

What is the difference between "assume the liability" and "assume the responsibility"?

"Assume the liability" specifically refers to accepting legal or financial obligations, while "assume the responsibility" is a broader term that includes moral, ethical, or practical duties. Liability is a specific type of responsibility that carries legal implications.