be liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be liable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate responsibility or obligation for something, often in relation to consequences or damages. Example: "If the company fails to meet safety standards, it may be liable for any resulting injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We may be liable.

The New York Times

shall be liable to..

Cornell University

Will I be liable for this damage?

The New York Times

Therefore the company cannot be liable.

The New York Times

Would they be liable for bad outcomes?

Stanford University

Transocean may be liable for any damages from that fuel.

The New York Times

Patients could be liable for a co-payment.

The New York Times

You would be liable for the office visit co-pay.

The New York Times - Health

If they fall beneath that standard, they may be liable.

The New York Times

Only the UN, they argued, should be liable for compensation.

Independent

This means the original tenant would still be liable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be liable", specify the exact action, debt, or outcome for which someone is responsible to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be liable" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be responsible" or "be likely" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be liable" is to act as a predicate adjective indicating a state of being responsible or subject to something, especially in a legal or formal context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be liable" is a common expression primarily used to indicate legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to reserve "be liable" for situations requiring formality and precision, opting for alternatives like ""be responsible"" in more casual settings. Remember to always specify the exact responsibility or obligation when using "be liable" to avoid ambiguity. Being aware of these nuances helps ensure clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible

Focuses on the duty to handle something or answer for actions.

be accountable

Emphasizes being held to account for outcomes or actions.

be held responsible

Highlights the act of someone being deemed responsible by an external authority.

be subject to

Indicates vulnerability to a particular condition or treatment, often negative.

carry the can

Informal expression for taking responsibility, often when undesirable.

face the music

Idiomatic for accepting the consequences of one's actions.

be exposed to

Highlights the potential to experience something, often something harmful.

be at risk of

Focuses on the potential danger or negative outcome.

bear the burden

Indicates the responsibility of dealing with something difficult or onerous.

answer for

Emphasizes the need to justify or explain actions.

FAQs

How can I use "be liable" in a sentence?

The phrase "be liable" is typically used to indicate legal or financial responsibility. For example, "If the company fails to meet safety standards, it may "be liable" for any resulting injuries."

What's the difference between "be liable" and "be responsible"?

"Be liable" often implies a legal or financial obligation, whereas "be responsible" is broader and can refer to moral or general duties. You might "be liable" for a debt, but "be responsible" for taking care of a pet.

What are some alternatives to "be liable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be accountable", ""be responsible"", or "be subject to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be liable" in writing?

Use "be liable" in formal and legal writing when you need to clearly state that someone is legally or financially responsible for something. Avoid it in informal contexts where it may sound overly formal; use more casual alternatives instead.