liability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liability to" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The company is exposed to liability to damages for breach of contract." Here, "liability to" describes the possibility of having to pay damages, if the contract is breached.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

1963 Is His Family a Liability to Kennedy?

The New York Times

"We have an unfunded liability to pay off".

The Economist

-Is there any liability to new technology on campuses?

The New York Times

Your domicile will determine your liability to inheritance tax.

The Guardian - Money

Roy had become a liability to the Gambino crime family.

The New York Times

We all have to accept liability to get things going.

The New York Times - Sports

Was religious conscience such a liability to the nation's military will?

The New Yorker

The third precedent was the employer's legal liability to pay damages for accidents caused by negligence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pirelli also has a potential liability to the banks of over €750m.

The Economist

It was one of the first companies to offer limited liability to its shareholders.

The Economist

There's no excuse for shirking because the rule will shield compliant banks from liability to creditors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential legal or financial responsibilities, use "liability to" to clearly indicate the scope and nature of the obligation. For instance, "The company faces potential liability to pay damages" clearly establishes the possible financial burden.

Common error

Avoid using "liability to" in contexts where a general tendency or preference is meant. Instead of "He has a liability to procrastinate", use "He tends to procrastinate" to more accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liability to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being subject to a particular obligation, risk, or condition. It is commonly used to express potential legal, financial, or inherent predispositions, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liability to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating a state of being subject to a specific obligation, risk, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across varied contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While often associated with negative consequences, such as legal or financial burdens, it can also denote a predisposition to certain conditions or outcomes. Its formal register and common usage highlight its importance in conveying precise information about potential responsibilities or risks, making it a valuable tool in both professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptibility to

Focuses on the tendency to be affected by something, emphasizing vulnerability.

prone to

Highlights a disposition or inclination toward something, often negative.

vulnerability to

Emphasizes the state of being open to harm or negative impact.

exposure to

Indicates a state of being subjected to something, which may or may not be harmful.

risk of

Highlights the possibility of encountering danger or negative consequences.

subject to

Indicates being under the authority or control of something, often implying obligation.

accountable for

Focuses on the responsibility for one's actions or outcomes.

answerable to

Stresses the obligation to explain or justify one's actions to someone.

legally bound to

Highlights a legal obligation or duty.

obligated to

Indicates a moral or legal requirement to do something.

FAQs

How is "liability to" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "liability to" often refers to the state of being legally obligated or responsible for something, such as damages or debt. It indicates a potential legal exposure. For example, a company may have "liability to" creditors if it fails to meet its financial obligations.

What's the difference between "liability to" and "prone to"?

"Liability to" suggests a formal or legal responsibility or a high probability of something happening, often negative. "Prone to" indicates a natural tendency or inclination towards something. While both imply a predisposition, "liability to" carries a stronger sense of obligation or potential consequence.

Can "liability to" refer to a positive outcome?

While "liability to" is often used in the context of negative consequences or obligations, it can also refer to a predisposition or potential for positive outcomes, though this usage is less common. The specific context determines whether the outcome is positive or negative.

What are some alternatives to "liability to" in business writing?

In business writing, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "responsibility for", "accountability for", or "exposure to" as alternatives to "liability to". These phrases can help clarify the specific nature of the obligation or risk involved.