be liable to err

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be liable to err" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is likely to make mistakes or errors. Example: "Even the most experienced professionals can be liable to err in their judgment from time to time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

be that they themselves, as well as a numerous body of Representatives, were liable to err also, from fickleness and passion.

University of Chicago

These microcracks may be liable to initiate crevice corrosion.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

A man's life, his liberty, and his good name, are as dear to him as his property; and inferior courts are as liable to err in one case as in the other.

Wikipedia

That's liable to be controversial.

The New York Times

Someone was liable to enter after all.

The New Yorker

This change is liable to be unpredictable.

Measurement

"He's liable to really throw anything".

The New York Times - Sports

Readers are liable to experience alternative emotions.

The New York Times - Books

They're liable to get beat up.

The New York Times - Arts

The prophecy is liable to fulfil itself.

The Guardian

That's liable to cause some confusion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be liable to err", consider the context and choose synonyms if the phrase sounds too formal or negative. Alternatives such as "be prone to mistakes" or "be likely to err" may be more suitable in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "be liable to err" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "likely to be wrong" or "prone to mistakes" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be liable to err" functions as a descriptor indicating a susceptibility or tendency to make mistakes. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase itself is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be liable to err" is a grammatically sound way to express that something or someone is susceptible to making mistakes. As per Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable english phrase. While it may sound somewhat formal, its meaning is widely understood. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended tone. If a less formal expression is desired, consider alternatives such as "be prone to error" or "be likely to err". Though there are no usage examples in the provided data, it's essential to avoid overusing this phrase in informal settings, as it can sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be prone to error

Focuses on a natural inclination or tendency to make errors.

be apt to make mistakes

Highlights the likelihood of making mistakes in a specific situation.

be subject to error

Emphasizes the vulnerability to being incorrect or flawed.

be susceptible to mistakes

Highlights a sensitivity or openness to making errors.

be apt to go wrong

Focuses on things going awry or not turning out as expected.

be fallible

Indicates the inherent human capacity for making mistakes.

be imperfect

Highlights the lack of perfection and the possibility of flaws.

be likely to be mistaken

Emphasizes the possibility of being factually incorrect.

be given to mistakes

Suggests a habitual tendency to make errors.

be capable of error

Indicates a potential or capacity for making mistakes.

FAQs

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

You can use "be liable to err" to indicate that someone or something is likely to make mistakes. For example, "Even experienced professionals "are liable to err" in complex situations".

What can I say instead of "be liable to err"?

You can use alternatives like "be prone to error", "be apt to make mistakes", or "be subject to error" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "liable to err" or "likely to err"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "likely to err" is generally more common and less formal than "liable to err".

What does it mean when something is described as "liable to err"?

If something is described as "liable to err", it means that it is susceptible to making mistakes or being incorrect. This often applies to systems, processes, or even individuals where errors are a possibility.