liable to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

"liable to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the potential or obligation to pay for something, usually due to a contractual agreement. For example, "The tenant is liable to pay the full rent each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such an agreement would make Vodafone liable to pay minority shareholders for losing Orange.

The Economist

Consumers should not be liable to pay for the costs of any software update.

Independent

He added that under the ruling, the company was not liable to pay any more compensation.

The New York Times

You will be liable to pay the bailiffs' costs which could substantially increase the debt.

The Guardian

Might the backers of a failed claim be liable to pay the other side's costs?

The Guardian - Opinion

Palmer wholly owns a nickel refinery in Queensland that is liable to pay the carbon tax.

The Guardian

It would also be liable to pay compensation for removing a virus.

The Guardian - Money

The bank is now liable to pay £125m a quarter until it exits the APS.

The Guardian - Business

If the tenants leave you're still liable to pay the mortgage and any repairs are your responsibility too.

Independent

That could mean that British or U.S. institutions, for example, could still be liable to pay the tax.

The New York Times

Compensation will be due, however, with the player and his new club jointly liable to pay it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable to pay", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the liability, such as a contract, legal ruling, or specific circumstance.

Common error

Avoid assuming "liable to pay" implies immediate payment. It often signifies a potential future obligation dependent on certain conditions being met or a legal determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable to pay" functions as a descriptive term, indicating a legal or contractual obligation to make a payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying their responsibility in relation to a financial transaction, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable to pay" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying a legal or contractual obligation to make a payment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse writing contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. While frequently encountered in News & Media, it also finds application in Science and Formal & Business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "obligated to pay" or "responsible for payment" can be used to convey similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you intend to express. Remember to clearly establish the reason for the liability to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated to pay

Emphasizes a formal or legal duty to make a payment.

responsible for payment

Highlights the accountability for ensuring a payment is made.

required to pay

Focuses on the necessity or mandate to make a payment.

under obligation to pay

Similar to 'obligated to pay' but with a slightly more formal tone.

duty to pay

Emphasizes a moral or legal responsibility for payment.

subject to payment

Indicates that payment is contingent upon certain conditions.

held accountable for payment

Stresses the liability and potential consequences for non-payment.

must pay

A more direct and forceful way of expressing the obligation to pay.

expected to pay

Implies an anticipation or expectation that payment will be made.

bound to pay

Indicates a legal or contractual constraint to make a payment.

FAQs

What does "liable to pay" mean?

The phrase "liable to pay" means that someone is legally responsible for making a payment, often due to a contract, debt, or legal obligation.

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

You might say, "The company was "found liable to pay" damages" or "Consumers should not be "subject to pay" for software updates."

What are some alternatives to "liable to pay"?

Alternatives include "obligated to pay", "responsible for payment", or "required to pay", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "liable to pay" and "able to pay"?

"Liable to pay" refers to a legal or contractual obligation to make a payment, while "able to pay" refers to the financial capacity to make a payment. One can be liable without being able, and vice versa.