we are liable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are liable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responsibility or potential legal obligations in a given situation. Example: "If the product fails to meet safety standards, we are liable for any damages that occur as a result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We are liable to never know anymore about those planets than we know now, astronomers say.

The New York Times - Science

We are liable to become insatiable wanting machines, whose curiosity serves our greed.

The Guardian - Books

Cameron: "They said we are liable to bail out eurozone countries.

The Guardian

Of course, we are liable to be ridiculed if we see something in ourselves which others do not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Upon hearing it again, we are liable to nod absent-mindedly and think "yes, yes, I remember".

The Guardian

Yet because we live in a practical and literal age, we are liable to be suspicious of the grand claims of new buildings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This turns out to be additional interest we did not realise we were liable for.

The Guardian - Money

We were liable (it involved a pipe under our path) and we fixed it immediately.

The Guardian - Money

"We're liable for billions from the Greek economy, which is bankrupt, cronyistic and corrupt," he said.

The New York Times

He is a Twitter addict, and, Cruz said, "We're liable to wake up one morning and Donald, if he were President, would have nuked Denmark".

The New Yorker

Its maintenance threatened to absorb all our waking hours and Maryland law said we were liable should anyone drown, even an intruder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are liable" when you want to clearly state that your organization or group has a legal or moral obligation to fulfill or answer for something.

Common error

Avoid using "we are liable" when you mean "we are likely". "Liable" implies responsibility, while "likely" indicates probability. Instead of "We are liable to win", say "We are likely to win".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are liable" functions as a statement of responsibility or potential obligation. It asserts that the speaker and their group or organization will be held accountable for something, whether it be a debt, damage, or legal consequence. Ludwig provides multiple examples demonstrating this use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are liable" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to declare responsibility or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, it is also present in scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are clearly stating the responsibility or obligation your group or organization is prepared to accept. Alternative phrases such as "we are responsible" or "we are accountable" may also be appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are responsible

Focuses on the general sense of responsibility instead of potential negative outcomes.

we are accountable

Highlights the obligation to answer for actions or decisions.

we are subject to

Indicates that an action or situation will be imposed on "us".

we are at risk of

Focuses on the possibility of experiencing something negative.

we bear the responsibility

Emphasizes the weight of the obligation.

responsibility falls on us

Rephrases to specify where the responsibility lies.

we carry the burden

Implies hardship or difficulty associated with the responsibility.

we are exposed to

Highlights the potential for exposure to negative consequences.

we face the consequences

Focuses on accepting the results of an action.

the onus is on us

Highlights where the burden or responsibility lies.

FAQs

What does "we are liable" mean?

The phrase "we are liable" means that a person or group has a legal or moral responsibility for something. It indicates that "we" are responsible for any damage, loss, or obligation.

When should I use "we are liable" in a sentence?

Use "we are liable" when you need to state that your group or organization bears responsibility for potential issues or consequences. For instance, "If the product is defective, "we are liable" for damages".

What can I say instead of "we are liable"?

You can use alternatives like "we are responsible", "we are accountable", or "we are subject to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are liable to"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "we are liable to" is generally followed by a verb indicating a potential action or consequence, like ""we are liable" to be sued".