is liable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is liable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has an increased risk of happening or occurring. For example: "Driving a car without a valid license is liable to result in a fine".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This change is liable to be unpredictable.

Measurement

The prophecy is liable to fulfil itself.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Books

Which of these two theories is liable to prevail?

The New York Times

If their numbers move, it is liable to be downward.

The New York Times

[three] offenses . . . is liable to the death penalty".

The New Yorker

It is liable to fail to deliver on that promise.

The New York Times

Even the interview process is liable to be hijacked.

The Guardian

Israel is liable to take fire in response".

The Guardian

The self changes, as the self is liable to do.

The New Yorker

Anything inbetween is liable to end in toughness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is liable to", ensure the context clearly indicates a potential consequence or outcome, whether positive or negative. For formal contexts, consider it over less formal alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "is liable to" when expressing absolute certainty; it indicates a probability, not a guaranteed outcome. Choose stronger expressions for guaranteed effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is liable to" functions as a modal expression indicating a degree of probability or potential obligation. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe consequences, tendencies, or potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is liable to" is a versatile expression used to indicate probability or potential responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for conveying a sense of likelihood, potential risk, or obligation. It is very common in both formal and informal contexts, but is often favoured in scientific and journalistic writing. While alternatives like "is likely to" or "is prone to" exist, "is liable to" offers a distinct nuance, often suggesting a degree of formality or a potential negative consequence. Remember to use it when you want to indicate a potential outcome without implying absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely to

Expresses a high probability but is less formal than "is liable to".

is apt to

Similar to "is likely to" but slightly more formal and suggests a natural tendency.

is prone to

Indicates a tendency or susceptibility towards something, implying a potential negative outcome.

is susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

is subject to

Suggests that something is under the control or influence of something else, often a rule or regulation.

is at risk of

Highlights the potential danger or negative consequences associated with something.

is in danger of

Similar to "is at risk of", emphasizing the peril involved.

is inclined to

Indicates a disposition or leaning towards a particular action or outcome.

bears the risk of

Shifts focus to who carries the burden of a potential negative event.

is on track to

Implies an expected trajectory, where the outcome is probable if the current course continues.

FAQs

How can I use "is liable to" in a sentence?

Use "is liable to" to indicate that something is likely to happen or has a high probability of occurring. For instance, "If you don't pay your taxes, you are liable to face penalties."

What phrases can I use instead of "is liable to"?

You can use alternatives like "is likely to", "is prone to", or "is subject to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is liable to" or "likely to"?

Both "is liable to" and "likely to" are correct, but "is liable to" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

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

"Is liable to" indicates a probability of something happening, while "is responsible for" indicates an obligation or duty. For example, someone "is liable to" pay a fine if they break the law, whereas they "are responsible for" ensuring their children attend school.