we are liable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are liable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a tendency or likelihood to experience something, often with a negative connotation. Example: "If we don't take precautions, we are liable to face serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 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

38 human-written examples

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

Catherine always seems to cry on cue; the more she does it, the less we're liable to believe in her grief.

The Guardian - Books

Lucy Eyre is acute in recognising that it's as teenagers that we're liable to start asking important questions, but frequently come off sounding ridiculous because we aren't given the right tools to address our concerns.

The Guardian

Rather than thinking it through, we're liable to jump to conclusions, to look for the answers that conform to our preconceptions rather than calmly weighing up the evidence.

The Guardian

But sometimes we're liable to happily jump on a bandwagon and collectively decide that something is a great idea, while somehow all managing to suppress any niggling thoughts in the back of our minds that it might be a load of rubbish.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use synonyms like "likely", "prone", or "apt" when you want to avoid the negative connotation sometimes associated with the word "liable".

Common error

Avoid using "we are liable to" when describing positive or neutral outcomes. The phrase often carries a connotation of potential negative consequences or obligations. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "likely" or "expected" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are liable to" functions as a modal expression indicating a probability or tendency, often with an implication of potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of the phrase, as shown in the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are liable to" effectively conveys a probability or tendency, typically carrying a negative implication. Ludwig AI underlines that the usage examples are grammatically correct, common across news, academic, and scientific sources. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its potential negative connotation and consider alternative expressions like "we are likely to" or "we tend to" for more neutral contexts. Awareness of these nuances will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are likely to

Indicates a high probability of something happening; a more direct and common substitute.

we are prone to

Suggests a susceptibility or inclination towards something, often negative.

we tend to

Expresses a habitual or general inclination; less forceful than "liable".

we are apt to

Implies a natural tendency or suitability, similar to "prone" but can be more neutral.

we are subject to

Indicates that something is conditional or contingent upon something else.

we might

Expresses possibility or uncertainty; weaker than "liable".

we could

Suggests potential or possibility, often depending on circumstances.

we may

Indicates permission or possibility; less direct than "liable".

we are inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or willingness to do something.

we are at risk of

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or dangers.

FAQs

What does "we are liable to" mean?

The phrase "we are liable to" suggests a tendency or probability of experiencing something, often with negative implications. It means that something is likely to happen or that we are at risk of something.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are likely to", "we are prone to", or "we tend to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are liable for" instead of "we are liable to"?

While "we are liable to" suggests a tendency or probability, "we are liable for" indicates legal or financial responsibility. The choice depends on the intended meaning. If you are responsible, the correct expression is "liable for".

How to use "we are liable to" in a sentence?

Use "we are liable to" when you want to express that a particular outcome is probable, especially if it is undesirable. For example, "If we don't take precautions, "we are liable to" face serious consequences."