liable to err

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to err" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is prone to making mistakes or errors. Example: "Even the most experienced professionals are liable to err from time to time, so it's important to double-check your work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal.

Huffington Post

A man's life, his liberty, and his good name, are as dear to him as his property; and inferior courts are as liable to err in one case as in the other.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To err is human...".

The Guardian - Arts

They seem never to err anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

"To err is human, to forgive divine".

The New York Times

"To err is a machine," he joked.

The Guardian - Sport

To err is human; to err on the side of growth is wise.

The New York Times

If to err is human, to animate humans is to err almost every time.

The New York Times

To err is human, but so is to forgive.

The New York Times

To err is human; to repent really is divine.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm choosing to err on the side of caution".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to err", ensure it's clear what or who is prone to making mistakes to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "systems are liable to err" instead of just saying "things are liable to err."

Common error

Avoid using "liable to err" when a stronger term like "certain to fail" is more appropriate. "Liable" suggests a possibility, not a guarantee. Choose the word that accurately reflects the likelihood of the error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to err" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a propensity or possibility for making mistakes. It describes a characteristic or condition of being prone to error, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "liable to err" signifies a tendency or possibility to make mistakes, functioning as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While less common than alternatives like "prone to error", it finds application in news and general contexts. Remember to clarify what is "liable to err" to prevent ambiguity and avoid overstating the severity of potential errors. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's use in various scenarios, underlining its role in acknowledging the potential for mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to error

Replaces "liable" with "prone", emphasizing a natural inclination towards making errors.

apt to make mistakes

Uses "apt" instead of "liable", suggesting a natural tendency or likelihood to commit errors.

likely to make errors

Employs "likely" to convey the probability of committing mistakes, offering a more straightforward alternative.

subject to error

Replaces "liable" with "subject", highlighting the condition of being under the influence or possibility of error.

fallible

A single-word adjective describing the characteristic of being capable of making mistakes, simplifying the phrase.

capable of making mistakes

Expresses the possibility of making mistakes in a more descriptive manner.

not immune to error

Highlights that someone or something is not protected from making mistakes.

can make mistakes

A simpler, more direct way of stating the possibility of error.

tends to be incorrect

Focuses on the tendency toward inaccuracy rather than the possibility of error.

has a high probability of error

Rephrases the concept using probability, emphasizing the chance of mistakes occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "liable to err" to indicate that someone or something is prone to making mistakes. For example, "Even experienced programmers are "liable to err" when dealing with complex code."

What are some alternatives to "liable to err"?

Some alternatives to "liable to err" include "prone to error", "apt to make mistakes", or "likely to make errors", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "liable to err" or "likely to err"?

Both "liable to err" and "likely to err" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "likely to err" might be considered more common in modern usage.

What does "liable to err" imply about the subject?

"Liable to err" implies that the subject (whether a person, system, or process) has a tendency or susceptibility to making mistakes, without necessarily implying that mistakes are inevitable.