liable to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is likely or prone to do something, often with a negative connotation. Example: "He is liable to forget his keys if he doesn't set a reminder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The self changes, as the self is liable to do.

The New Yorker

But when artists are in trouble they're liable to do strange things.

The New Yorker

"If I feel that the lawyer is annoying me, I'm liable to do stupid things," Mr. Burke said.

The New York Times

"It's about regathering the region, and a feeling that the West is much weaker, less liable to do anything here.

The New York Times

But anybody with a badge is liable to do it, a situation that several migrants said prepared them well for what they might face in Arizona.

The New York Times

If, on the other hand, you are not a doctor, you're liable to do what I did, which was to stand there thinking, Damn, this lung is heavy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But service providers would not be liable for failure to do so.

The New York Times

On January 9th, the OECD countries announced that they had agreed on a series of rules determining what kind of e-commerce activities made a company liable to taxation: doing business through a website, they concluded, would not leave a company liable to tax in the country from which the website had been accessed.

The Economist

Dr. Hall was never found legally liable, and he continues to do hundreds of open-heart operations each year.

The New York Times - Health

"Is a person or firm that is put through the mill like this liable to be eager to do business with India?" he asked.Mr Shourie also noted that the delays have made foreign firms loth to sign contracts under which awards set by arbitration panels can be challenged in Indian courts.

The Economist

The lawyer Samuel Williston who wrote a leading treatise and served as Reporter for the Restatement (First) of Contracts—once observed that he "[didn't] see why a man should not be able to make himself liable if he wishes to do so" (Handbook NCCUSL 1925: 194).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to do", consider the connotation. It often implies a negative or undesirable outcome. Choose alternative phrases if you want to express likelihood without a negative implication.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "liable to do" can sound informal or judgmental in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "likely to do" or "inclined to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to do" functions as a modal phrase, indicating a probability or tendency for someone or something to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "liable to do" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a probability or tendency toward a specific action, often with a negative connotation. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to consider the context and desired tone, especially in formal writing where alternatives like "likely to do" or "prone to do" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across various sources, especially in news and media. Remember to use "liable to do" judiciously to convey the intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to do

Expresses a similar degree of probability but is a more general and neutral alternative.

prone to do

Suggests a natural inclination or susceptibility to do something, often negative.

apt to do

Indicates a tendency or likelihood, but can also imply suitability or fitness.

inclined to do

Highlights a disposition or willingness to do something.

disposed to do

Similar to 'inclined to do', suggesting a tendency or preference.

tend to do

Indicates a habitual or recurring pattern of behavior.

bound to do

Implies a strong likelihood or certainty, often due to external factors.

certain to do

Expresses a high degree of confidence that something will happen.

subject to do

Indicates that someone is under the control or influence of something that may cause them to act.

at risk of doing

Highlights the potential negative consequences or dangers associated with an action.

FAQs

What does "liable to do" mean?

The phrase "liable to do" means likely or prone to do something, often with a negative or undesirable outcome. It suggests a tendency or predisposition towards a particular action.

What are some alternatives to "liable to do"?

You can use alternatives such as "likely to do", "prone to do", or "apt to do" depending on the context.

Is "liable to do" formal or informal?

The phrase "liable to do" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal depending on the context. In formal writing, it's often better to use "likely to do" or another more neutral alternative.

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

You can use "liable to do" to indicate that someone or something is likely to perform a certain action. For example, "If you don't water the plants, they are liable to die".