he is liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is liable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone is responsible for something, often in terms of obligations or consequences. Example: "If he fails to meet the deadline, he is liable for any penalties imposed by the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is liable to go at any time any way".

The New York Times - Books

He added: "He is liable to contract an infection of which he will almost certainly die.

Independent

And yes, he is liable to fire chemical weapons at us, too".

The Guardian

Currently he is liable for 40% tax on this, so the bill is £10,816.

The Guardian - Money

If we don't keep our eyes on him, he is liable to pull some sneaky sleight-of-hand on us.

The New York Times

Left to his own devices, he is liable to chat on in the same way, uninterrupted, until at least 2017.

The Guardian

Eventually he is liable to sample every product at Wal-Mart or travel cross-country on a gas-station tour.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"He's liable to really throw anything".

The New York Times - Sports

"If anything, he was liable to flip someone off".

The New York Times

He's liable to implode at any time.

The New York Times - Sports

Short and stocky, he was liable to be upended pretty fast.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is liable" to clearly state legal or formal responsibility. Ensure the context specifies what the person is liable for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he is liable" without specifying the extent or conditions of the liability. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations; always clarify the specific responsibilities or potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is liable" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating legal or formal responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it is mostly used to assign responsibility for something, whether it's a debt, a consequence, or a potential risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is liable" is a versatile expression that primarily denotes legal or formal responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly assigns accountability for actions, debts, or potential consequences. With a neutral to formal register, it appears frequently in news, legal, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's crucial to specify what the subject is liable for to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "he is responsible" offer broader connotations, while "he may be held liable" explicitly highlights legal accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is responsible

Emphasizes a general obligation or duty.

he is accountable

Highlights the need to answer for one's actions.

he is obligated

Focuses on a legal or moral requirement.

he is subject to

Indicates a possibility of being affected by something, often negative.

he is prone to

Implies a natural tendency to do or experience something.

he tends to

Suggests a habitual pattern of behavior.

he is apt to

Similar to 'prone to', but slightly more formal.

he is inclined to

Suggests a disposition or willingness to do something.

he may be held liable

Specifically highlights legal liability.

he bears the responsibility

Emphasizes the burden or weight of responsibility.

FAQs

What does "he is liable" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "he is liable" signifies that someone is legally responsible for damages, debts, or other obligations. This determination often follows a judgment or legal finding.

When should I use "he is responsible" instead of "he is liable"?

"He is responsible" is a broader term that can imply moral or general duty, while "he is liable" typically denotes a specific legal or financial obligation. Use "he is liable" when discussing legal accountability.

Is "he is liable for" the same as "he is liable to"?

While both are related to liability, "he is liable for" usually refers to a specific debt or action, whereas "he is liable to" suggests a potential risk or consequence. For example, "He is liable for the damages" versus "He is liable to be fined".

What are some alternatives to "he is liable" that aren't as formal?

Depending on the context, less formal alternatives to "he is liable" include phrases like "he is going to", "he will have to", or "he might". These options can convey responsibility in everyday language.