In the IELTS exam, using advanced grammatical structures accurately can significantly boost your score. One such structure is “be liable for + noun/gerund,” which is particularly useful in Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3 discussions. Let’s explore this structure in depth and learn how to apply it effectively in your IELTS preparation.

Understanding “Be Liable for + Noun/Gerund”

The phrase “be liable for” is commonly used to express responsibility or legal obligation. It’s a formal way of saying someone is responsible for something, especially in legal or business contexts. This structure appears frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on topics related to law, business, or social responsibility.

Examples:

1. Companies are liable for ensuring the safety of their products.
2. Individuals may be liable for paying taxes on their overseas income.
3. Drivers are liable for any accidents they cause on the road.
4. Employers can be liable for discrimination in the workplace.
5. Tenants are often liable for damages to rented property.

IELTS exam preparation

Grammar and Usage in IELTS

Formula:

[Subject] + be (am/is/are/was/were) + liable for + noun/gerund

In IELTS Writing and Speaking, using this structure correctly can demonstrate your advanced grammar skills. Here’s how you can incorporate it into different parts of the test:

Writing Task 2

In essays discussing responsibility, legal issues, or social problems, “be liable for” can be particularly effective.

Example paragraph:
Some argue that social media companies should be liable for monitoring and removing harmful content from their platforms. While these companies are currently not legally liable for user-generated content in many countries, there is growing pressure for them to be held liable for the spread of misinformation and hate speech. If social media giants were liable for content moderation, it might lead to more responsible online environments.

Speaking Part 3

When discussing abstract ideas or hypothetical situations, this structure can help you express complex thoughts.

Example response:
Interviewer: “Who do you think should be responsible for reducing plastic waste?”
Candidate: “I believe that both manufacturers and consumers should be liable for reducing plastic waste. While companies are primarily liable for producing eco-friendly packaging, individuals are also liable for making sustainable choices in their daily lives. If everyone were liable for their environmental impact, we might see a significant reduction in plastic pollution.”

Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores

To aim for a Band 7 or above, consider these advanced applications:

1. Combine with conditionals:
   “If the law changes, companies could be liable for carbon emissions.”

2. Use in passive constructions:
   “It has been argued that social media platforms should be held liable for the content they host.”

3. Incorporate into complex sentences:
   “Despite the challenges in implementation, making corporations liable for their environmental impact is crucial for sustainable development.”

4. Use with modal verbs for nuance:
   “Individuals might be liable for their online behavior in the future, as laws adapt to the digital age.”

5. Pair with idiomatic expressions:
   “When it comes to climate change, we’re all in the same boat and should be equally liable for finding solutions.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect preposition:
   ❌ “They are liable of paying taxes.”
   ✅ “They are liable for paying taxes.”

2. Confusing with “reliable”:
   ❌ “The company is reliable for product quality.”
   ✅ “The company is liable for ensuring product quality.”

3. Using with intransitive verbs:
   ❌ “She is liable for happening accidents.”
   ✅ “She is liable for accidents that happen.”

4. Forgetting the gerund:
   ❌ “They are liable for clean the environment.”
   ✅ “They are liable for cleaning the environment.”

5. Misusing in positive contexts:
   ❌ “He is liable for the success of the project.” (Sounds negative)
   ✅ “He is responsible for the success of the project.”

Conclusion

Mastering the “be liable for + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Practice using it in various contexts, especially in discussions about law, business, and social responsibility. Remember to use it appropriately and combine it with other advanced structures for maximum impact. As you prepare, consider tackling practice questions like “Discuss the extent to which corporations should be liable for environmental damage” or “To what degree should individuals be liable for their online actions?” These topics will allow you to showcase your grasp of this sophisticated grammatical structure.