subject to liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to liability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone could be legally responsible for the consequences of their actions or inactions. For example, "The company was subject to liability if they failed to comply with the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Nocenti said that state agencies that did not provide "full faith and credit to same-sex marriages" could be subject to liability.

The New York Times

Nor would they have marketed unsuitable products to pension funds and municipalities if they had more clearly been subject to liability.

The New York Times

It said it would seek public comment on whether to change SEC rules and make ratings agencies subject to liability in certain circumstances.

The New York Times

And American officials and companies like General Electric are upset that the Indian Parliament passed a law that made suppliers of nuclear power equipment subject to liability, a position that is at odds with international convention.

The New York Times

In other words, even if they limit their damages in the New York action to $500 million they can still be subject to liability in Texas in a much higher amount.

The New York Times

The decision tightened the reach of the Superfund law, known formally as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, by limiting both the kinds of companies subject to liability and the situations in which partly culpable companies can be made to bear the entire cost of cleanups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

As for moral culpability, Hart argues that we should explain excuse doctrines not as aiming to exempt the morally faultless from criminal liability, but as aiming to protect individual freedom by subjecting to liability only those who had a fair opportunity to avoid it (1968: 17 24).

SEP

It is based on the moral obligation to respond and the subsequent subjection to liability (being subjected to an adverse treatment).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

"Under plaintiffs' theory, the N.F.L. is subject to antitrust liability if it ceases or refuses to continue football operations, and it is subject to antitrust liability if it does not," the brief reads.

The New York Times - Sports

Either way, they could be subject to civil liability".

The New York Times

There was no dispute that these companies were subject to Superfund liability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subject to liability", ensure that the specific actions or circumstances leading to potential liability are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "subject to liability" without specifying the type of liability (e.g. civil, criminal) or the specific context, as it can create confusion about the actual risk involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to liability" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of potential legal or financial responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject to liability" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile term used to denote potential legal or financial responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although "subject to liability" appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, its inherent formality lends itself to professional communications as well. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the type of liability and the triggering conditions to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "liable for damages" or "exposed to legal action" can provide nuanced variations, depending on the intended emphasis. The phrase is uncommon, but its correct usage is critical in legal and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable for damages

Specifically refers to responsibility for financial compensation.

potentially liable

Indicates a possibility, but not certainty, of responsibility.

may be held liable

Similar to 'potentially liable', but with a slightly more formal tone.

legally accountable for

Emphasizes the legal responsibility aspect.

held responsible under the law

Stresses the legal framework of accountability.

under legal obligation

Emphasizes the binding nature of the legal duty.

exposed to legal action

Focuses on the potential for legal proceedings.

answerable for legal consequences

Highlights the responsibility for outcomes sanctioned by law.

at risk of being sued

Highlights the vulnerability to lawsuits.

open to claims

Suggests vulnerability to demands, especially financial ones.

FAQs

How can I use "subject to liability" in a sentence?

You can use "subject to liability" to indicate that someone or something could be legally responsible for something. For instance, "The company is "subject to liability" if its products cause harm to consumers."

What's the difference between ""subject to liability"" and "liable for"?

"Subject to liability" implies a potential or possibility of being held responsible, while "liable for" suggests that the responsibility has already been determined or is certain.

What are common situations where someone might be ""subject to liability""?

Common situations include breach of contract, negligence leading to injury, copyright infringement, and failure to comply with legal regulations.

Is there a difference between civil and criminal ""subject to liability""?

Yes, civil liability typically involves monetary damages or other compensation to the injured party, while criminal liability can result in fines, imprisonment, or other penalties imposed by the government.