liable to fluctuation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to fluctuation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is subject to change or variability, often in contexts related to finance, economics, or other areas where stability is not guaranteed. Example: "The stock market is often liable to fluctuation, making it a risky investment for those seeking stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

John Stuart Mill explained: "In order that the value of the currency may be secure from being altered by design, and may be as little as possible liable to fluctuation from accident, the articles least liable of all known commodities to vary in their value, the precious metals, have been made in all civilized countries the standard of value for the circulating medium...."...

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"[HMRC] should also consider whether it is necessary to collect all the data it currently collects… or whether it would be more cost-effective to focus on a reduced number of key measures, such as those which are most business-critical or liable to fluctuations in performance".

The Guardian

It is subject to considerable variations in numbers in areas where its main rodent prey is liable to large population fluctuations.

Wikipedia

"You're liable to kill somebody".

The New Yorker

That's liable to be controversial.

The New York Times

Someone was liable to enter after all.

The New Yorker

They are also liable to change suddenly.

The Economist

Electronics have become less liable to explode.

The Economist

It is liable to fail to deliver on that promise.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

In 2007 it made slave-owners liable to prosecution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to fluctuation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected by the fluctuations. For instance, specify whether you are discussing market prices, emotional states, or population sizes.

Common error

Avoid using "liable to fluctuation" without identifying the factors that contribute to the variability. Lack of context can make the statement vague and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to fluctuation" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing something that is prone to change or variability. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable. The examples illustrate its use in describing currencies, populations, and other entities subject to change.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "liable to fluctuation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe entities prone to change or variability. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "liable to fluctuation", it's essential to provide context about what is being affected and the potential causes of the variability. Alternatives such as "prone to variation" or "subject to change" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to variation

Emphasizes a natural tendency to change or deviate.

subject to change

Highlights that the entity is under the influence of factors that can cause alteration.

susceptible to instability

Focuses on the vulnerability to becoming unstable.

vulnerable to fluctuation

Stresses the weakness or exposure to changes.

inclined to vary

Suggests a predisposition to change or differ.

apt to vary

Indicates a natural or habitual tendency to change.

tending to oscillate

Implies a back-and-forth movement or change.

at risk of instability

Highlights the potential danger of becoming unstable.

open to variation

Indicates a readiness to experience changes.

predisposed to instability

Suggests a pre-existing condition that favors instability.

FAQs

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

You can use "liable to fluctuation" to describe something that is prone to change or instability, such as "The price of oil is often liable to fluctuation due to geopolitical events."

What's a synonym for "liable to fluctuation"?

Alternatives include "prone to variation", "subject to change", or "vulnerable to fluctuation" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "liable to fluctuation" or "subject to change"?

"Liable to fluctuation" and "subject to change" are generally interchangeable. However, "liable to fluctuation" might be perceived as slightly more formal, particularly in economic or scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "liable to fluctuation" and "likely to change"?

While both phrases suggest a possibility of change, "liable to fluctuation" implies a more irregular or unpredictable pattern of change, whereas "likely to change" simply indicates a high probability of alteration without specifying the nature of that change.