Liable is an adjective that can mean legally responsible or likely to do or experience something. Libel is a form of defamation expressed in writing, print, or a similar form.
Distinguish responsibility from the kind of claim
- Liable for. The agreement says the renter is liable for the replacement cost. The word describes who is responsible for the cost under the agreement.
- Libel. The article was the subject of a libel claim. The word identifies the kind of wrongdoing alleged.
The words can appear together in liable for libel. The adjective describes legal responsibility, and the noun names the alleged or established wrong.
Recognize liable to in everyday speech
The old latch is liable to stick in damp weather means the latch is prone to sticking. The expression liable to can describe a likelihood or tendency.
See Adjectives for the role of liable and Noun for the role of libel in a claim for libel.
