most liable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most liable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a higher likelihood or susceptibility to a particular condition or outcome. Example: "In this study, we found that children are most liable to develop allergies during their early years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Children under the age of two are most liable to suffer direct physical abuse at the hands of their parents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He thus kept his valuable vessel for an unnecessary length of time in the area where she was most liable to attack, inviting disaster".

The New Yorker

Different polling organizations use different "screens" to detect those respondents most liable to convert their stated candidate preferences into votes on Election Day.

The New York Times

Difficult teenagers, the offspring most liable to vex political parents, could be conveniently removed: imagine how much easier George Bush's life would have been had his twins been confined to, say, Pyongyang.

The Economist

It is also the most tempestuous, with frontal storms often roaring across it from Canada, and the most liable to shoreline erosion, harbour silting, and filling of its bed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He knows that on this point he will be most liable to attack by Mr Taylor's defence team, led by Karim Khan, a British barrister specialising in international law.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Purge followed judicious purge, first aimed at the Ba'athists' rivals, then the army, then the party, then influential, respected, or strategically located people whom he deemed most liable, at some point, to cry halt to his inexorable ascension.

The Guardian

Indeed, the purest flattery -- the sort most surely liable to work -- occurs when neither the flattered nor the flatterer knows it is going on.

The New York Times - Books

In January, the CEBR said that UK house prices would fall by 0.6% this year but it has revised up its prediction, saying changes to stamp duty in December, which made it cheaper for the most homebuyers liable to pay it, have been felt sooner than expected.

The Guardian - Business

Those are the three segments highlighted below but, to be sure, the commentary and opinions today are most certainly liable to change and evolve as more implications of the Brexit vote become clear.

Forbes

The Iron Dome has shot down most projectiles liable to hit Israeli towns and cities, but the rocket salvoes have made a rush to shelters a daily routine for hundreds of thousands of people across the country.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most liable to", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is susceptible to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "Children are "most liable to" infection during the flu season" is clearer than "Children are "most liable to".".

Common error

Avoid using "most liable to" when you simply mean "most likely to". "Liable" often carries a connotation of negative consequence or responsibility, so it's not always interchangeable with "likely". Use "most likely to" for neutral probability without negative implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most liable to" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes a noun or pronoun by indicating a high degree of probability or susceptibility. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most liable to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a high probability or susceptibility, often implying potential negative consequences. Analysis of various sources, as seen via Ludwig AI, shows its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing "most liable to", clarity is paramount, ensuring the subject and potential outcome are explicitly defined. While alternatives like "most likely to" and "most prone to" exist, they lack the inherent negative connotation of "most liable to", making careful selection essential for accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most susceptible to

Replaces "liable" with "susceptible", emphasizing vulnerability or sensitivity.

most prone to

Uses "prone" instead of "liable", suggesting a natural tendency or inclination.

most inclined to

Substitutes "liable" with "inclined", highlighting a predisposition or willingness.

most subject to

Replaces "liable" with "subject", indicating being under the power or influence of something.

most at risk of

Emphasizes the potential danger or negative consequences associated with the likelihood.

most vulnerable to

Highlights the weakness or defenselessness in the face of something.

most apt to

Uses "apt" instead of "liable", suggesting a natural or habitual tendency.

most apt to experience

Adds "experience" to explicitly state the likelihood of undergoing a certain event.

most exposed to

Focuses on the degree of exposure, implying a higher chance of being affected.

at greatest risk of

Uses "at greatest risk" to emphasize the severity of the potential negative outcome.

FAQs

What does "most liable to" mean?

The phrase "most liable to" indicates that something or someone has a high probability or susceptibility of experiencing or being affected by something, often with a negative connotation. It implies a risk or potential for an undesirable outcome.

Is it always appropriate to use "most liable to"?

No, it's not always appropriate. "Most liable to" often implies a negative consequence or potential for harm. If you simply want to express a high probability without any negative implication, it's better to use alternatives like "most likely to" or "most prone to".

What are some synonyms for "most liable to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "most susceptible to", "most prone to", "most at risk of", or "most vulnerable to" as alternatives to "most liable to".

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

When using "most liable to", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what the subject is liable to. For instance: "Children under the age of two are "most liable to" suffer direct physical abuse at the hands of their parents." Avoid using it in vague or ambiguous contexts.