liable to be misunderstood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to be misunderstood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is likely to be misinterpreted or not clearly understood. Example: "The instructions were too vague and were liable to be misunderstood by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

AN EXOTIC country that is viewed mainly through the filter of its foreign policy and its televised public rituals is liable to be misunderstood.

The Economist

"He believes that this is so because the figures even with a careful explanation could be liable to be misunderstood by the public and possibly misrepresented by the media," the ICO said in its Decision Notice.

Independent

Cultural norms regarding body language (i.e. how far away you should stand from someone, how much eye contact you should make, and what gestures are considered taboo), vary considerably and if you don't speak the same body language as the locals, you're liable to be misunderstood a great deal.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another essay is likely to be misunderstood.

The New York Times - Books

French bankers often claim to be misunderstood.

The Economist

"It is always frustrating to be misunderstood.

The Guardian - Books

To be great is to be misunderstood".

The New York Times

Sometimes it's better to be misunderstood.

The New York Times

"It's very sad to be misunderstood.

The Guardian - Music

It's okay to be misunderstood – as long as you're not misunderstood by your consumers.

The Guardian - Tech

But e-mails are more likely to be misunderstood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider whether a more precise term might better convey your intended meaning. Alternatives like "prone to misinterpretation" or "easily misinterpreted" might offer greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "liable to be misunderstood" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to enhance clarity and engagement. For example, instead of "The report is liable to be misunderstood", consider "Readers might misunderstand the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to be misunderstood" functions as a descriptor, indicating a high probability or tendency for something to be misinterpreted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show its use in describing potentially confusing situations or information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable to be misunderstood" serves as a warning indicator, highlighting the potential for misinterpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples showcase its application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Although grammatically sound, clarity is crucial when employing this phrase; therefore, writers should consider the audience and context to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "prone to misinterpretation" or "easily misinterpreted" can offer greater precision in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to be misinterpreted

Indicates a high probability of misinterpretation, similar to the original phrase.

prone to misinterpretation

Focuses on the inherent tendency of something to be misinterpreted.

easily misinterpreted

Highlights the ease with which something can be misunderstood.

susceptible to misinterpretation

Emphasizes vulnerability to being misunderstood.

can be easily misconstrued

Implies that misinterpretation may occur without further reflection.

open to misinterpretation

Suggests that something's ambiguity can easily lead to misunderstanding.

tends to be misconstrued

Indicates a typical or repeated pattern of misinterpretation.

at risk of being misunderstood

Highlights the potential negative consequences of being misunderstood.

subject to misconstruction

Uses a more formal term, "misconstruction", for misunderstanding.

may be misinterpreted

Expresses a possibility of misinterpretation, slightly weaker than "liable to be".

FAQs

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

You can use "liable to be misunderstood" to indicate that something has a high chance of being misinterpreted. For example, "Complex instructions are "liable to be misunderstood" if not explained clearly."

What are some alternatives to "liable to be misunderstood"?

Alternatives include "prone to misinterpretation", "easily misinterpreted", or "likely to be misinterpreted", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "liable to be misunderstood" or "likely to be misunderstood"?

Both "liable to be misunderstood" and "likely to be misunderstood" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Likely" is generally more common in modern usage, but "liable" emphasizes the potential for negative consequences or responsibility in addition to the misunderstanding.

What does "liable" mean in the context of "liable to be misunderstood"?

In this context, "liable" means susceptible or having a tendency to. It suggests that something has a propensity or inclination toward being misunderstood due to its inherent nature or presentation.