liable to be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to be modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is capable of being changed or adjusted. For example: "The agreement is liable to be modified at any time, depending on the wishes of the parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Obviously, what is considered a mild case is liable to be modified by financial pressures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is increasing evidence within neuroscience that when a memory is accessed, it is liable to being modified before going back into storage.

Vice

All scientific work is liable to be upset or modified by advancing knowledge.

Environmental Health Perspectives

As Bradford Hill famously wrote almost 50 years ago [ 4], "All scientific work is incomplete… All scientific work is liable to be upset or modified by advancing knowledge".

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

However, it was Sir Austin Bradford Hill who wisely stated in his address to the Royal Society of Medicine in 1965 that All scientific work is incomplete [and]... liable to be upset or modified by advancing knowledge.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This change is liable to be unpredictable.

Measurement

That's liable to be controversial.

The New York Times

Anything above this was illicit and liable to be seized.

The Economist

If their numbers move, it is liable to be downward.

The New York Times

"The kid's liable to be scared into fits.

The New Yorker

However, these costs are liable to be minimised with and/or without reduction on energy consumption.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to be modified", ensure the context clearly indicates what conditions or factors might lead to the modification. Providing context improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "liable to be modified" can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "subject to change" or "can be modified", especially in formal contexts. Consider the tone you wish to convey and choose the phrasing that best fits the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to be modified" functions as an adjectival phrase describing a noun. It specifies that the noun is prone to change or alteration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "liable to be modified" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase indicating the potential for something to be changed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable and understandable in different contexts. It is most frequently found in science, news, and academic writing, holding a neutral to formal register. While versatile, remember that alternatives like "subject to change" or "can be modified" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing the best phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to modification

Changes the phrasing to use "subject to" indicating conditionality.

subject to alteration

Similar to 'subject to modification' but uses the word 'alteration'.

likely to be altered

Replaces "modified" with "altered", emphasizing a slight degree of difference in the type of change.

prone to be changed

Substitutes "liable" with "prone", suggesting a higher probability of change.

susceptible to being modified

Emphasizes vulnerability to change by using "susceptible".

open to modification

Focuses on accessibility to change, implying that changes are welcome or easily implemented.

can be modified

Expresses the possibility of modification in a more direct way.

has the potential to be modified

Highlights the inherent possibility of being modified.

may be changed

Uses "may" for a weaker expression of possibility.

adaptable

Implies the capability of being changed to fit new conditions or requirements.

FAQs

What does "liable to be modified" mean?

The phrase "liable to be modified" means something is likely or able to be changed or altered. It suggests a possibility or probability of modification.

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

You can use it to describe agreements, plans, or designs that are subject to change: "The contract is "subject to modification" at any time".

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

Alternatives include "subject to change", "can be altered", or "may be modified". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "liable to be modified" and "subject to be modified"?

While similar, "subject to be modified" often implies that modification is conditional on certain factors or approvals, whereas "liable to be modified" simply indicates a likelihood or possibility of change.