it would be liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be liable" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct phrase would typically be "it would be liable to" or "it would be liable for," depending on the context. Example: "If the company fails to meet safety standards, it would be liable for any resulting accidents."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The firm was able to pay such a low sum partly because it legally transfers profits generated within the UK to its sister company in the Netherlands, where it would be liable for a lower rate of tax.

The Guardian - Tech

Clearly, if a supermarket had hired drunken guards who shot at innocent passers-by, it would be liable for the conduct of its employees, and may even be put out of business by a large verdict.

The New York Times

The company also disclosed that it would be liable for $492 million not recorded on its balance sheet should Velox, a partner in the venture, be unable to repay its debts.

The New York Times

Were the government to lose, it would be liable for damages.

The Economist

Should Transatlantic agree to a deal with Berkshire, it would be liable for a $115 million breakup fee payable to Allied.

The New York Times

The Care Quality Commission CQCC) ordered the trust to improve staffing and the availability of equipment, and warned that it would be liable to prosecution if it did not comply.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If something happened to him, I would be liable.

The New York Times - Health

What is more, she told them, by making her sign it, the university lawyers would be liable to prosecution for suborning perjury.

The Guardian

"If the player chooses to play competitively against us, it's him who would be liable".

BBC

It asked the Federal District Court in Manhattan to determine that it and the other insurers would be liable for only $3.5 billion because both crashes amounted to a single insurable incident.

The New York Times

"It is surprising that Rwanda would be liable for matters that are neither on its territory nor in its practices," said the army's spokesman, brigadier general Joseph Nzabamwita. "As a long-term partner of the Rwanda defence forces, the United States has ample evidence that our forces have never tolerated the use of children in combat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it would be liable", always clarify what the subject is liable for or to. For instance, "it would be liable for damages" or "it would be liable to prosecution" clarifies the potential consequence.

Common error

A frequent mistake is omitting the preposition that indicates the nature of the liability. Avoid saying just "it would be liable"; instead, specify what the liability pertains to. For example, use "it would be liable for" or "it would be liable to" followed by the appropriate consequence or obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be liable" primarily functions as a descriptor indicating a state of potential legal or financial responsibility. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is not the most grammatically sound. However, it is used in formal context such as news or media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be liable" indicates potential legal or financial responsibility. While Ludwig AI marks it as not completely grammatically correct and advises to specify the type of liability (using "for" or "to"), it appears in numerous authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news and formal contexts. Therefore, be mindful of the grammatical nuances and always clarify the type of liability to ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be responsible

Focuses on a general sense of duty and accountability, similar to being liable.

it would be accountable

Emphasizes the obligation to answer for actions or outcomes.

it would be held responsible

Highlights that someone else is imposing the responsibility.

it would be subject to

Indicates exposure to a potential action or penalty.

it would incur liability

Specifically focuses on the act of becoming liable.

it would be exposed to

Suggests a vulnerability to something negative.

it would face the consequences

Emphasizes the results of an action.

it would bear the responsibility

Stresses the act of carrying the weight of responsibility.

it would be answerable for

Highlights the need to provide an explanation or justification.

it would carry the can

Informal way to express taking responsibility, often for someone else's mistake.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "it would be liable" correctly in a sentence?

To use "it would be liable" correctly, specify what the subject is liable for or to. For example: "it would be liable for damages" or "it would be liable to a fine".

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "it would be liable"?

Consider using phrases like "it would be responsible" or "it would be accountable". These alternatives clearly indicate duty and obligation.

What is the difference between "it would be liable for" and "it would be liable to"?

"It would be liable for" generally refers to being responsible for damages, costs, or losses. "It would be liable to" usually indicates being subject to a penalty or legal action.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "it would be liable"?

This phrase is suitable in legal, business, and formal contexts where you need to express potential legal or financial responsibility. However, be mindful of Ludwig's suggestion to verify your sentences.