bigger liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bigger liability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or entity that poses a greater risk or responsibility than another. Example: "Investing in that startup could be a bigger liability than we initially thought, given their financial instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That will only make them a bigger liability for the government in the future.

The Economist

Washington requires the authority to have bomb-sniffing dogs, shoulder bigger liability insurance premiums and take other measures.

The New York Times

As recession bites, unemployment rises and repossessions mount, the sort of privilege that the Corfu saga seems to advertise may become a bigger liability than it has hitherto seemed.

The Economist

And analysts point out that Tiscali's broad presence in 15 countries is a far bigger liability than the dense national franchises of its big rivals.None of which intimidates Mr Soru.

The Economist

"This president has been enamored of George Tenet, and has been reluctant to hold him or anyone else accountable, and that failure was becoming a bigger and bigger liability".

The New York Times

As ever, the principle impediment is the government, which is currently eating up two fifths of our national income... Mr Turner [also] skips over the issue of public sector pensions, which, according to his own figures, are a bigger liability than the national debt". "What then is to be done?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Tired defensemen become bigger liabilities the better the offensive team they are playing against.

The New York Times - Sports

But some of them were also my greatest liabilities, and empowering them only made them bigger liabilities, which certainly did not help my customer service.

The New York Times

Big liability here.

The Guardian - Business

Instead, it sits there, a big liability.

The New York Times

It was a big liability.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bigger liability", ensure you clearly define what the original liability is for context. For example, specify that "this deal is a "bigger liability" than our last venture."

Common error

Avoid using "bigger liability" without clearly establishing what the smaller liability is. The comparison should be explicit to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bigger liability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies something that poses a greater risk or responsibility than something else. As Ludwig shows, it's used to point out increased potential for negative outcomes or burdens.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bigger liability" is a grammatically correct and usable expression signifying a greater risk or responsibility. According to Ludwig, its use is more frequent in news and media contexts to highlight growing concerns or problems. While considered neutral in register, the key to effectively using "bigger liability" lies in clearly establishing the point of comparison. Alternatives like "greater burden" or "increased risk" offer similar meanings but may suit different contexts. Remember to avoid vagueness by specifying what the "bigger liability" is in relation to. By doing so, you can guarantee maximum impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased risk

Highlights the higher probability of negative outcomes.

greater burden

Focuses on the increased weight or difficulty caused by something.

larger obligation

Emphasizes the expanded duty or commitment involved.

enhanced exposure

Indicates a greater susceptibility to negative impacts.

more problematic aspect

Focuses on the troublesome facet.

more significant drawback

Focuses on the magnified disadvantage or negative aspect.

major drawback

Focuses on the significant negative aspect of something.

greater encumbrance

Stresses an elevated degree of impediment.

heavier encumbrance

Stresses the increased weight or impediment something presents.

growing disadvantage

Highlights the increasing negative aspect and compares it with its previous state.

FAQs

How can I use "bigger liability" in a sentence?

You can use "bigger liability" to describe something that poses a greater risk or responsibility compared to something else. For example, "Investing in that startup could be a "bigger liability" than we initially thought."

What are some alternatives to using "bigger liability"?

Alternatives include "greater burden", "increased risk", or "larger obligation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bigger liability"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has become a greater source of concern or potential problem than it was previously, or compared to something else.

Is there a difference between "bigger liability" and "major drawback"?

While both indicate a negative aspect, "bigger liability" typically implies a potential for financial or legal repercussions, whereas "major drawback" refers to a significant disadvantage or flaw.