liable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when someone or something may be legally responsible for something. Example: The company was held liable for the damages resulting from the malfunctioning product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is BP liable for both whammies?

The New York Times

"They are not liable for any crime".

The New York Times

"Who's liable for this money?

The Guardian - Business

Will I be liable for this damage?

The New York Times

Most hold employees liable for accidents.

The New York Times

"I'm personally liable for the clean-up.

The New York Times

The judge found JPMorgan was not liable for negligence.

The New York Times

No person was held liable for Merck's conduct.

The New York Times

Undocumented immigrants are not liable for the penalty.

The New York Times

Legally, the automobile driver is generally liable for an accident.

The New York Times

Transocean may be liable for any damages from that fuel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable for", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis of responsibility, whether legal, financial, or moral.

Common error

Avoid using "liable for" when referring to moral responsibility unless there's a tangible consequence. Use phrases like "responsible for" or "accountable for" for ethical obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable for" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate legal or moral responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys the state of being legally bound or responsible for something. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying legal or moral responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is particularly common in news and media, business, and legal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount to ensure the basis of responsibility is well-defined. While "liable for" predominantly implies legal or financial obligations, related phrases such as "responsible for" offer nuanced alternatives for broader ethical or duty-based scenarios. By understanding these distinctions, writers can effectively communicate accountability and potential consequences with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally responsible for

Specifies legal obligation and potential consequences.

accountable for

Similar meaning, focusing on the obligation to answer for actions and decisions.

responsible for

Implies a duty to take care of something or someone, often used in a broader sense than "liable".

answerable for

Highlights the need to explain or justify one's actions.

culpable for

Suggests blame or guilt for wrongdoing.

held to account for

Emphasizes the process of being made to explain or compensate for actions.

subject to

Indicates being exposed to potential consequences or penalties.

at fault for

Directly attributes blame for an error or accident.

open to

Similar meaning, focusing on the vulnerability to responsibility.

in charge of

Highlights the need to explain or justify one's actions.

FAQs

How is "liable for" used in a sentence?

The phrase "liable for" is used to indicate that someone is legally responsible for something, such as damages or a debt. For example, "The company was held liable for the environmental damage."

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

"Liable for" typically implies a legal or financial obligation, while "responsible for" can refer to a broader sense of duty or accountability. You might be responsible for a project's success, but only liable for its legal consequences.

What can I say instead of "liable for" in a legal context?

In a legal context, you can use alternatives like "accountable for", "culpable for", or "legally responsible for".

Can a person be "liable for" someone else's actions?

Yes, in certain situations, a person can be "liable for" someone else's actions, particularly in cases of negligence or vicarious liability. For example, an employer can be liable for the actions of their employees if those actions occur within the scope of employment.