is liable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is liable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate responsibility for something, often in terms of financial or legal obligations. Example: "The company is liable for any damages caused by its products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Legal Q&A: Who is liable for council tax?

The Times

The person using the image is liable for any infringement.

Yale University

"The state taxpayer is liable for any damage that occurs if we haven't fixed the levees.

The New York Times

The first is whether Dow Chemical is liable for Dow Corning's products.

The Economist

BP is liable for natural resource damages and penalties under the Clean Water Act.

The New York Times

The perpetrator is liable for trial and punishment by the secular courts of any civilized society.

The New York Times

Of the €580bn pledged in bailout funds by Europe since May, Berlin is liable for €162bn.

The Guardian - Business

The buyer is liable for all vet, stud and support costs.

The New York Times

But the number varies considerably depending on assumptions about what the UK is liable for.

The Guardian

Again Vodafone has insisted that she is liable for all the calls made.

The Guardian - Business

Reid's spokesman says the company is liable for tax only on its taxable profits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure to use "is liable for" in legal and formal settings, and consider "is responsible for" in common conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "is liable for" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it is a term best suited for legal or formal contexts. Opt for phrases like "is responsible for" or "is accountable for" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is liable for" functions as a predicate adjective, linking a subject to a state of legal or financial responsibility. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a formal attribution of accountability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is liable for" is a common expression used to denote legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources, reflecting its formal register. Alternatives such as "is responsible for" and "is accountable for" can be used in more general contexts. When writing with "is liable for", ensure clarity about the specific actions or outcomes for which liability applies. The phrase denotes a legal duty to compensate or rectify a particular situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is responsible for

Replaces 'liable' with 'responsible', indicating a general obligation without necessarily implying legal consequences; it's a more common and less formal substitute.

is accountable for

Substitutes 'liable' with 'accountable', emphasizing the need to answer for actions or outcomes; suggests a sense of being answerable to someone.

is legally obligated for

Specifically denotes a legal duty or requirement, often associated with contracts or laws.

bears the responsibility for

Rephrases to emphasize the act of carrying or holding the responsibility, indicating a burden or duty that must be managed.

is held responsible for

Changes the voice to passive, highlighting that someone else is assigning the responsibility.

must answer for

Emphasizes the duty to explain or justify actions, with the implication of potential repercussions if the explanation is inadequate.

is subject to

This phrase indicates exposure to potential consequences or penalties, shifting the focus from direct responsibility to the potential for negative outcomes.

is under obligation to

Indicates a formal or contractual requirement, often used when there is a legal or ethical duty to fulfill.

is bound to

Suggests a commitment or constraint, often in a legal or contractual context, indicating a necessity to act in a certain way.

carries the can for

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is taking the blame or responsibility for something, often when it is not entirely their fault.

FAQs

What does "is liable for" mean?

The phrase "is liable for" means to be legally responsible for something, such as damages, debts, or obligations. It implies a legal duty to compensate or rectify a particular situation.

What can I say instead of "is liable for"?

You can use alternatives like "is responsible for", "is accountable for", or "is obligated to" depending on the context.

When should I use "is liable for" versus "is responsible for"?

"Is liable for" is typically used in legal or formal contexts to denote a legal obligation or responsibility. "Is responsible for" is a broader term that can be used in both formal and informal settings to indicate general responsibility.

Who determines whether someone "is liable for" something?

Liability is typically determined by a court of law or through a legal agreement. Evidence and arguments are presented to establish whether a party has a legal obligation for a particular action or outcome.