The phrase “Be Liable To + Verb” is an advanced grammatical structure that can significantly enhance your IELTS score when used correctly. This construction is particularly useful in the Writing and Speaking sections of the test, where demonstrating a range of complex language is crucial. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS responses.

Understanding “Be Liable to + Verb”

“Be liable to + verb” is used to express that something is likely or has a tendency to happen, often with a negative connotation. It’s similar in meaning to “be likely to” or “tend to,” but carries a stronger implication of risk or undesirable outcomes.

Examples:

1. The old bridge is liable to collapse if not repaired soon.
2. Inexperienced drivers are liable to make mistakes in heavy traffic.
3. Without proper care, these plants are liable to die in cold weather.

In these examples, the phrase emphasizes the potential for negative consequences, making it a powerful tool for expressing concerns or warnings in your IELTS responses.

Be liable to verb concept

Grammar and Usage in IELTS

Formula:

Subject + be (am/is/are) + liable to + base form of verb

This structure is commonly used in present simple tense, but can be adapted to other tenses:

• Past: was/were liable to + verb
• Future: will be liable to + verb
• Present perfect: has/have been liable to + verb

Application in IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “be liable to + verb” can help you express complex ideas about potential risks or consequences. Here’s an example paragraph:

“In the realm of environmental conservation, unregulated industrial activities are liable to cause irreversible damage to ecosystems. Without strict oversight, factories are liable to release harmful pollutants into rivers and the atmosphere. This pollution is liable to lead to long-term health issues for local residents and is liable to result in the extinction of vulnerable species.”

This paragraph demonstrates how the structure can be used multiple times to build a cohesive argument about environmental risks.

Application in IELTS Speaking

In the Speaking test, using “be liable to + verb” can showcase your advanced vocabulary and grammar skills. For instance, when discussing challenges in your country:

“In my hometown, rapid urbanization is liable to create numerous problems. New developments are liable to encroach on green spaces, and the increasing population is liable to strain our public transport system. Moreover, traditional communities are liable to lose their unique character as modern buildings replace historic structures.”

Enhancing Your IELTS Score

To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s crucial to use a variety of complex structures accurately. Here’s how “be liable to + verb” can contribute to different band scores:

• Band 6: Basic use of the structure in simple contexts.
  Example: “Smoking is liable to cause health problems.”

• Band 7: More frequent and accurate use in various contexts.
  Example: “Overreliance on technology is liable to result in decreased social interaction and is liable to affect interpersonal skills negatively.”

• Band 8-9: Sophisticated use with nuanced meanings and in complex sentences.
  Example: “The proliferation of social media, while facilitating global communication, is liable to exacerbate existing societal divisions and is liable to foster echo chambers that undermine critical thinking and democratic discourse.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong form of the verb:
   Incorrect: “He is liable to causing accidents.”
   Correct: “He is liable to cause accidents.”

2. Confusing “liable to” with “liable for”:
   Incorrect: “The company is liable to the damages.”
   Correct: “The company is liable for the damages.” (Note: This is a different usage meaning “responsible for”)

3. Using it with positive outcomes:
   Incorrect: “She is liable to succeed in her career.”
   Correct: “She is likely to succeed in her career.”

4. Overusing the structure:
   While it’s a valuable phrase, using it too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Aim for a balance with other complex structures.

Conclusion

Mastering the “be liable to + verb” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express complex ideas about risks and tendencies, demonstrating a sophisticated command of English grammar. Practice incorporating this phrase into your Writing and Speaking responses, but remember to use it judiciously alongside other advanced structures for the best results.

For further practice, consider applying this structure to topics like climate change, technological advancements, or global economic trends, as these are common themes in IELTS tasks where discussing potential risks and consequences is particularly relevant.