liable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"liable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something that is likely to happen or to be the case. For example, "The internet is liable to have issues in inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's liable to be controversial.

The New York Times

"You're liable to kill somebody".

The New Yorker

Someone was liable to enter after all.

The New Yorker

They are also liable to change suddenly.

The Economist

Electronics have become less liable to explode.

The Economist

Inclined hangers are more liable to fatigue.

Engineering Structures

I'm liable to go off".

The New Yorker

Because I'm liable to Just.

The Guardian - Opinion

This change is liable to be unpredictable.

Measurement

The movie isn't liable to surprise you.

The New York Times

"He's liable to really throw anything".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to", ensure the context clearly indicates a probable outcome or consequence, not just a possibility. For instance, say "The bridge is liable to collapse under heavy load", not "The bridge is liable to have birds on it".

Common error

Avoid using "liable to" when "likely to" is more appropriate for expressing general probability without implying potential negative consequences. "Likely to" is more neutral, while "liable to" often carries a connotation of something undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to" functions as a predicative adjective. It describes a state of being susceptible or likely to experience something, typically something undesirable. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in predicting outcomes, as in "Readers are liable to experience alternative emotions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "liable to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a probability or tendency, often with a negative implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, although it is most frequently encountered in news articles. While alternatives like ""likely to"" or ""prone to"" exist, "liable to" carries a specific connotation of potential negative outcomes. Therefore, writers should carefully consider the context to ensure the most appropriate word choice and avoid confusing the phrase with similar expressions like "responsible for", which implies accountability rather than probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to

Indicates a high probability of something happening.

prone to

Focuses on an inherent tendency or susceptibility.

apt to

Suggests a natural or habitual inclination.

subject to

Highlights the possibility of being affected by something, often negative.

inclined to

Implies a predisposition or tendency towards a particular action or state.

tending to

Describes a direction or course of action that is likely to be followed.

at risk of

Emphasizes the potential for danger or harm.

vulnerable to

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility to external factors.

susceptible to

Similar to vulnerable to, but can also apply to non-harmful influences.

in danger of

Suggests a more immediate and serious threat than "liable to".

FAQs

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

Use "liable to" to indicate that something is likely to happen, often with a negative connotation. For example, "If you don't study, you're "liable to" fail the exam".

What is a good substitute for "liable to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "likely to", "prone to", or "apt to". Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "liable to" in formal writing?

Yes, "liable to" is acceptable in formal writing, but be mindful of its connotation. It often implies a negative or undesirable outcome. In neutral contexts, "likely to" might be a better choice.

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

"Liable to" indicates a probability or tendency, while "responsible for" indicates accountability or obligation. For example, "The company is "liable to" pay damages" (probability) versus "The company is responsible for the accident" (accountability).