liable to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is likely to be relevant or applicable in a certain context. Example: "The new regulations are liable to apply to all businesses operating within the city limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Council officers said they were disturbed about the impact of the report on the local community, adding that grants were weighted to communities most liable to apply for funding.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The criteria for proffering supreme emergency exemptions are liable to be applied in arbitrary and subjective ways.

SEP

Inclusion of outlying values in a data set is liable to give rise to erroneous interpretations.

BMC Biotechnology

Following the defeat, the Indian government amended the law to apply it retroactively, which could yet leave Vodafone liable.

The Guardian - Business

You might need to apply some elbow grease, but be careful as the cover and socket ARE made of plastic and are liable to crack or break.

WikiHow

Even these simple landmarks were liable to cause confusion, particularly when applying what is valid for human anatomy to rodent anatomy.

Brain Structure and Function

Credible, physical, capable of an upset, yet liable to suffer when the blowtorch is applied.

The Guardian - Sport

She placed herself backward, one third of her lifetime ago: she was going back to high school, was applying to colleges; this was liable to be her only Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

The judge in the case, Robert P. Kaye, decided earlier–despite many contrary rulings by other courts that the case could proceed as a class action, meaning a ruling that the cigarette companies are liable would be applied to all Florida smokers claiming injury from their habit.

Forbes

Persons guilty of such offences are liable to deregistration, imprisonment or a fine unless a relevant exception applies as outlined in CRB guidance".

The Guardian - Opinion

English laws passed after the date of settlement did not automatically apply in the colonies, and even presettlement legislation was liable to adaptation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to apply", ensure the context clearly indicates what is likely to be affected or subjected to application. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "liable to apply" when expressing absolute certainty. This phrase indicates a probability or tendency, not a guaranteed outcome. Use stronger terms like "will apply" for definite situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to apply" functions as a predictive adjective phrase, indicating a probability or tendency that something will be applicable or relevant in a particular context. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable to apply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to suggest a probability or tendency for something to be applicable. Ludwig provides limited examples, indicating it is not a very common phrase but can be found across neutral to formal writing like news, science, and encyclopedias. The term implies a likelihood without absolute certainty. Alternatives such as "likely to be applied" or "subject to application" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Using the phrase correctly involves understanding its probabilistic nature and choosing it when expressing a reasonable expectation of applicability. Ensure that you use stronger terms like "will apply" if the applicability is guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to be applied

Emphasizes probability and future action, rather than inherent characteristic.

subject to application

Highlights the conditionality and the act of applying something.

apt to be used

Focuses on the suitability and potential for usage.

prone to be implemented

Suggests a tendency or inclination towards implementation.

inclined to apply

Indicates a predisposition or leaning towards applying something.

susceptible to being applied

Highlights vulnerability to the application of something.

open to application

Suggests receptiveness and possibility of application.

eligible to be applied

Focuses on meeting the requirements for application.

can be applied

Expresses possibility and capability of being used.

has potential for application

Highlights the inherent possibilities for something to be applied.

FAQs

How do I use "liable to apply" in a sentence?

Use "liable to apply" to indicate that something is likely or has a tendency to be applicable. For example: "These rules are liable to apply in similar circumstances."

What is a good alternative to "liable to apply"?

Consider alternatives such as "likely to be applied", "subject to application", or "apt to be used" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "liable to apply", or should I use another phrase?

"Liable to apply" is grammatically correct, but its appropriateness depends on the context. It's best when indicating a probability or tendency. If something will definitely apply, use "will apply" instead.

What does "liable to apply" mean?

"Liable to apply" means something is likely or has a tendency to be applicable in a given situation. It doesn't guarantee application but suggests a high probability.