shall be liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall be liable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate responsibility or accountability for something. Example: "The contractor shall be liable for any damages caused during the construction process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

shall be liable to..

Cornell University

“(b) Whoever actively induces infringement of a patent shall be liable as an infringer.

Cornell University

The consolidated association shall be liable for all liabilities of the respective consolidating banks or associations.

Cornell University

shall be liable in damages to any person suffering injury while he is employed by such carrier..

Cornell University

Such person shall be liable for the tax as if the article were sold at retail by such person.

Cornell University

We do not decide whether a defendant shall be liable for negligently inflicted emotional distress of any lesser degree.

Harvard University

Section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act declares that "every person found drunk … on any licensed premises, shall be liable to a penalty".

The Guardian

A person holding any tax-increased article on January 1 , 1991 to which the tax imposed by paragraph (1) applies shall be liable for such tax.

Cornell University

No person paying a manufacturer's tax on brewed or malt liquors under this act shall be liable to pay a wholesale dealer's tax on the same.

Cornell University

A person holding distilled spirits on October 1 , 1985 to which the tax imposed by paragraph (1) applies shall be liable for such tax.

Cornell University

provide that the receiving association shall be liable for all liabilities of the association or State bank being merged into the receiving association.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shall be liable", specify the exact extent of the liability to avoid potential disputes. Clearly outline what the responsible party is liable for.

Common error

Avoid using "shall be liable" in clauses that are too broad or vague. Overly broad liability clauses can be difficult to enforce and may create unintended consequences. Be specific about the actions, damages, or events for which a party is liable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be liable" functions primarily as a legal expression to impose responsibility or accountability on a party. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in statutes, contracts, and legal precedents to define obligations and potential penalties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall be liable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote legal responsibility or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from authoritative sources across academia, news, and law. While alternatives exist, "shall be liable" provides a precise and formal way to assign accountability, essential for legal and contractual clarity. When drafting legal documents, make sure you use the phrase with precision and avoid vagueness to avoid potential disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is responsible for

A more direct and common way of stating responsibility.

will be responsible

Uses future tense and a more common term for obligation.

will be held accountable

Emphasizes the aspect of being answerable for actions.

is legally obligated

Highlights the legal aspect of the obligation.

bears the responsibility

Focuses on the act of carrying or accepting responsibility.

is subject to

Indicates exposure to a potential consequence or action.

is answerable for

Highlights the need to respond or justify actions.

must answer for

Suggests a compulsory need to explain or compensate.

is duty-bound

Emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation.

is compelled to

Highlights the mandatory nature of the obligation.

FAQs

What does "shall be liable" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "shall be liable" indicates that a person or entity is legally responsible or obligated for something, such as damages or debts. It means they are legally bound to fulfill a duty or obligation.

What are some alternatives to "shall be liable"?

Alternatives to "shall be liable" include "will be responsible", "is accountable for", or "is legally obligated", depending on the specific context.

How is "shall be liable" used in a sentence?

You can use "shall be liable" to assign responsibility. For example: "The contractor shall be liable for any damages caused during the construction process", as indicated by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "shall be liable" and "may be liable"?

"Shall be liable" indicates a definite obligation or responsibility, whereas "may be liable" suggests a possibility or contingency of being responsible. The former is more definitive and legally binding.