not liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not liable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone is not responsible for something, often in relation to obligations or damages. Example: "The company is not liable for any damages incurred during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not liable for fees.

The Guardian

"They are not liable for any crime".

The New York Times

The judge found JPMorgan was not liable for negligence.

The New York Times

Undocumented immigrants are not liable for the penalty.

The New York Times

The manufacturer is not liable under a design defect theory.

Harvard University

Petitioner is not liable for the taxes claimed.

Cornell University

Incorrect payments for which the individual is not liable.

Cornell University

§ 405.351 Incorrect payments for which the individual is not liable.

Cornell University

The staff is not liable for missing checkoff points.

University of California, Berkeley

They were found not liable, as opposed to not guilty.

The Guardian

The landowners who commission them are not liable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not liable", clearly specify what the subject is not responsible for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "not liable" in one context automatically extends to all situations. Liability is often context-specific, so clarify the exact limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not liable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not liable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the absence of legal or financial responsibility. As indicated by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Key alternatives include "not responsible" and "exempt from". When using "not liable", be specific about the scope of non-responsibility to avoid confusion. It is important to note that being "not liable" in one situation does not automatically extend to all scenarios. Therefore, clarify the particular constraints and limitations. The consistent presence of the phrase in authoritative sources confirms its appropriate use in formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free from liability

Explicitly states the absence of legal responsibility.

not responsible

Focuses on the lack of responsibility for an action or outcome.

not accountable

Emphasizes the lack of accountability for something.

held harmless

Indicates protection from blame or responsibility.

exempt from

Highlights an exception from a rule or obligation.

immune to

Suggests protection from a particular liability or consequence.

not subject to

Indicates that someone or something is not under the control or influence of a particular law or rule.

without obligation

Emphasizes the lack of any binding duty or requirement.

absolved of

Implies being cleared of blame or responsibility.

indemnified against

Suggests protection from financial loss or damage.

FAQs

What does "not liable" mean?

The phrase "not liable" means that someone or something is not legally responsible for something, such as damages, debts, or obligations.

How is "not liable" used in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "not liable" indicates that a party is not found legally responsible for a particular harm or debt, often determined by a court or legal agreement. It's the opposite of being "liable".

What are some alternatives to saying "not liable"?

Alternatives to "not liable" include "not responsible", "not accountable", or "exempt from", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "not liable" and "not guilty"?

"Not liable" is used in civil cases to indicate a lack of responsibility for damages or obligations, whereas "not guilty" is used in criminal cases to indicate that the defendant has not been proven to have committed the crime.