liable to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is likely to break or is at risk of breaking under certain conditions. Example: "The old chair is liable to break if too much weight is placed on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Ribs are also liable to break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In other words, if you don't first clarify definitions, all else is liable to break down.

Independent

Sooner or later, like any backroom arrangement, the bargain is liable to break down.

The Economist

If he goes on dancing like this, commented the Washington Post, he's liable to break a hip.

The Economist

It's a reproach drifting just beneath the surface of memory and liable to break cover at any time.

The Guardian - Film

My first (and only) Walkman was so huge it was liable to break a toe if dropped (see above picture).

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They are liable to fracture or break at the slightest knock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

We also know that he can still win sets and matches against them, and that given enough opportunities, the breaks are liable to go his way at some point.

The New York Times

Any gathering of more than two people was liable to be broken up.

The Economist

Don't try to use them to access lectures or assignments once they have been moved to this file, as the links are liable to be broken.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential failures, use "liable to break" to highlight the probability of damage under specific conditions, rather than stating a certainty.

Common error

While "liable to break" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "prone to failure" or "susceptible to damage" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to break" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state or condition of a noun, indicating a propensity or likelihood for it to break. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable to break" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a high probability of something breaking or failing. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and scientific sources. The phrase serves to warn or inform, and its formality is generally neutral, leaning towards informal. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "prone to failure" or "susceptible to damage" may be more appropriate. The consistent use of "liable to break" across a variety of sources confirms its widespread understanding and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to breakage

Replaces "liable" with "prone" and "break" with the noun form "breakage".

likely to fail

Substitutes "break" with "fail", broadening the context to include non-physical failures.

apt to shatter

Replaces "break" with "shatter", emphasizing a more violent and sudden breaking.

inclined to snap

Uses "inclined" instead of "liable" and "snap" instead of "break", suggesting a quick, sharp break.

vulnerable to fracture

Replaces "break" with "fracture", often used in medical or scientific contexts.

at risk of cracking

Focuses on the initial stage of breaking, using "crack" instead of "break".

susceptible to damage

Broadens the scope to include any form of damage, not just breaking.

tending to fall apart

Replaces "break" with the more descriptive "fall apart", suggesting disintegration.

predisposed to malfunction

Applies to mechanical or electronic items, indicating a tendency to not function correctly.

ready to give way

Suggests the final stage before breaking, when something is about to collapse.

FAQs

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

Use "liable to break" to indicate that something is likely to break or is at risk of breaking under certain conditions. For example: "The old chair is "liable to break" if too much weight is placed on it."

What can I say instead of "liable to break"?

You can use alternatives like "prone to breakage", "likely to fail", or "at risk of cracking" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "liable to break" or "likely to break"?

Both ""liable to break"" and "likely to break" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Likely" might be considered slightly more common in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "liable to break" and "vulnerable to break"?

"Liable to break" generally suggests a higher probability of breaking under normal circumstances, while "vulnerable to break" implies a susceptibility to breaking due to specific weaknesses or external factors.