liable to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is responsible or accountable to another person, often in legal or financial situations. Example: "If the company fails to meet its obligations, it may be liable to him for damages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or does it mean that if the Trayvon Martin family sued George Zimmerman that they could be liable to HIM, if the court found that Zimmerman had acted lawfully under the statute?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the movie "The Insider" made anything clear about Jeffrey S. Wigand, it is this: Trying to shut him up is futile, and is only liable to make him talk more about tobacco companies.

The New York Times

This machine set clear rules: Sharon does not take decisions on his own that are liable to get him in trouble; there is always someone at his side protecting him from his most belligerent impulses.

The New Yorker

If the pedestrians try to avoid an oncoming cyclist, they're liable to surprise him and collide, but the cyclist can steer around them just fine if they ignore him and keep walking along at the same pace.

The New York Times - Science

Guitarist Ruben Gallego also gets involved with a well-received dig at Donald Trump that's liable to land him on a CIA watchlist.

The Guardian - Music

A welcome adjustment, but he is almost certain, if elected, to have a heavily Democratic Congress which is liable to send him protectionist legislation he may find it hard to veto.

The Economist

In League One, Swindon, having sold last season's top Football League scorer, Simon Cox, to West Bromwich Albion, were given a painful reminder of how much they are liable to miss him as they crashed 5 0 at Gillingham.

The Guardian - Sport

For when, in 1953, the 17-year-old youth ascended the throne, few thought he would last long; and the polity over which he was to preside, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, seemed liable to disappear with him.

The Guardian

A temperamental right knee, always liable to give way, stopped him fulfilling the potential nurtured in the lower divisions at Peterborough United and Wigan.

Independent

He claimed that Mr Gribkowsky suggested that he would inform the tax authority that Mr Ecclestone controls his family's offshore trust, which could make him liable to pay the tax on the estimated £2.5bn it has received from F1.

Independent

He claims that Mr Gribkowsky insinuated he would inform the tax authority that Mr Ecclestone controls his family's offshore trust, which could make him liable to pay the tax on the estimated £2.5bn it has received from F1.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to him", ensure the context clearly establishes the legal, financial, or moral responsibility being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "liable to him" when simply meaning "likely to affect him". "Liable" implies a specific responsibility or potential negative consequence, not just a general possibility. Using it incorrectly can misrepresent the true nature of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to him" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being legally or financially responsible. This is reinforced by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "liable to him" is a grammatically sound construction used to denote legal, financial, or moral responsibility towards a specific individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its frequent use in contexts involving obligations and potential accountability. While alternatives like "responsible to him" or "accountable to him" exist, "liable to him" carries a specific weight, often implying potential negative consequences. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, understanding the nuances of its usage ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsible to him

Focuses on the aspect of being accountable or answerable for one's actions or decisions towards the person.

accountable to him

Emphasizes the duty to justify actions and decisions to the person.

answerable to him

Highlights the obligation to respond to questions or criticisms from the person.

obligated to him

Stresses a moral or legal duty owed to the person.

beholden to him

Indicates a feeling of gratitude or indebtedness that necessitates loyalty or service to the person.

subject to his authority

Focuses on the power dynamics where the person has control or influence.

under his jurisdiction

Indicates being within the legal or administrative control of the person.

at his mercy

Suggests a position of vulnerability and dependence on the person's kindness or compassion.

within his power

Highlights the person's ability to influence or control a situation.

potentially responsible to him

Adds a layer of possibility or future consideration to the responsibility.

FAQs

What does "liable to him" mean?

The phrase "liable to him" means someone has a legal or financial obligation to that person, or could potentially face negative consequences concerning them. It implies responsibility and potential accountability.

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

You can use "liable to him" in a sentence like, "If the company fails to meet its contractual obligations, it may be "liable to him" for damages."

What are some alternatives to "liable to him"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "liable to him" include "responsible to him", "accountable to him", or "obligated to him".

What's the difference between "responsible to him" and "liable to him"?

"Responsible to him" generally implies a broader sense of duty or obligation, while "liable to him" often suggests a specific legal or financial responsibility. One might be "responsible to him" for completing a task, but "liable to him" for the damages if the task is performed negligently.