liable for vs liable to

Both 'liable for' and 'liable to' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Liable for' is used when someone is responsible for something, usually a negative consequence or a debt. 'Liable to' is used to indicate a possibility or probability of something happening.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 1430 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate responsibility for something, usually a negative consequence or a debt.

"liable for"

Use 'liable for' when referring to someone being responsible for a negative consequence or a debt. For example, 'He is liable for the damages caused by the accident.'

Examples:

The company is liable for the defective product.
She is liable for the unpaid bills.
He is liable for the damages caused by the fire.
The driver is liable for the injuries sustained by the pedestrian.
The tenant is liable for any damages to the property.

Alternatives:

responsible for
accountable for
answerable for
obligated for
on the hook for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a possibility or probability of something happening.

"liable to"

Use 'liable to' when indicating a possibility or probability of something happening. For example, 'She is liable to make mistakes when she's tired.'

Examples:

Children are liable to catch colds in the winter.
If you don't wear sunscreen, you are liable to get sunburned.
He is liable to lose his temper when he's stressed.
The old bridge is liable to collapse in a strong wind.
Students are liable to forget their homework if they don't write it down.

Alternatives:

likely to
prone to
apt to
susceptible to
vulnerable to

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liable for vs liable to

"liable for"

"liable to"

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