be liable for

USAGE SUMMARY

"be liable for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when describing responsibility or legal obligation for something, often in a negative sense. Example: The contractor will be liable for any damages to the property during the construction process. In this sentence, "be liable for" indicates that the contractor is responsible for any negative consequences or costs that may result from their actions. Another example: If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be liable for a fine and potentially even jail time. In this sentence, "be liable for" shows that the subject will face consequences for their actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Will I be liable for this damage?

The New York Times

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

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

Independent

Will I be liable for capital gains tax (CGT)?

The Guardian - Money

Will Channel 4 be liable for the bedroom tax?

The Guardian - Opinion

Germany does not want to be liable for Italy's gargantuan debt.

The Economist

On one side are the bankers, who say borrowers should be liable for what they owe.

The New York Times

In any given year, millions of households will not be liable for federal income taxes.

The New York Times

Shouldn't a negligent physician be liable for the patient's avoidable harm and suffering?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be liable for", clearly specify what the subject is responsible for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The company will be liable for all damages caused by the defective product."

Common error

Avoid using "be liable for" when you actually mean to guarantee something. Liability implies potential responsibility for negative outcomes, while a guarantee assures a positive outcome or protection against failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be liable for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase indicating legal or financial responsibility. It signifies that an individual or entity is legally bound to cover costs, damages, or other obligations. Ludwig provides several examples showing its common usage in legal and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be liable for" signifies legal or financial responsibility for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, media, and formal business contexts. When using "be liable for", ensure clarity about what exactly the subject is responsible for. Alternatives include ""be responsible for"" or ""be held accountable for"", but the precise meaning may vary slightly. Avoid confusing liability with guaranteeing a positive outcome. With 65 real-world examples, Ludwig highlights the prevalence and consistent application of this phrase in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be responsible for

This alternative directly implies accountability for actions or outcomes.

be held accountable for

This phrase emphasizes that someone will be called to account for their actions.

be answerable for

This suggests a duty to explain or justify one's actions.

bear the responsibility for

This phrase highlights the burden or weight of responsibility.

be subject to

This indicates a potential for experiencing something, often negative.

be exposed to

This suggests a vulnerability to potential risks or consequences.

face the consequences of

This emphasizes the negative outcomes resulting from an action.

carry the can for

An idiomatic expression indicating taking the blame or responsibility for something, often unwillingly.

take ownership of

Highlights the act of acknowledging responsibility and control.

be in charge of

Implies having control and therefore responsibility for something.

FAQs

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

Use "be liable for" to indicate legal or financial responsibility for something. For example, "The contractor will "be liable for" any damages to the property during construction."

What are some alternatives to "be liable for"?

Alternatives include "be responsible for", "be held accountable for", or "be answerable for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "liable to" instead of "liable for"?

"Liable to" usually means likely to experience something, while ""be liable for"" means legally responsible. For example, "He is liable to catch a cold" vs. "He will "be liable for" the debt".

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

"Responsible for" generally indicates a duty or obligation, while ""be liable for"" often implies a legal or financial obligation in case something goes wrong. You can "be responsible for" a task, but "be liable for" the consequences of failing that task.