英语短语 "be liable to" 有两个核心含义,均需结合语境理解,且通常与负面结果或法律/义务责任相关。以下是详细解析:
强调“天生/客观上容易陷入某种(负面)状态”或“有较高概率发生(不好的结果)”。
指“根据法律/规则必须承担的责任或义务”(如赔偿、处罚、履行职责等)。
`be liable to do sth.`(接动词原形,表“可能做某事”)
`be liable to sth.`(接名词,表“可能遭遇某事”)
例句:She’s liable to make mistakes when she’s tired.(她累的时候容易犯错。)
People who skip breakfast are liable to feel lethargic by midday.(不吃早餐的人中午容易犯困。)
The old bridge is liable to collapse in heavy rain.(这座旧桥在大雨中可能会坍塌。)
Children are liable to colds in winter.(孩子冬天容易感冒。)
`be liable to do sth.`(接动词原形,表“有义务做某事”)
`be liable to sth.`(接名词,表“需承担某事(如处罚)”)
例句:The company is liable to compensate the victims of the accident.(公司有责任赔偿事故受害者。)
If you park here illegally, you’re liable to a fine of $200.(非法停车会被罚款200美元。)
Employers are liable to pay minimum wage to all workers.(雇主有义务向所有工人支付最低工资。)
The landlord is liable to repair the broken heater.(房东有义务维修损坏的暖气。)
`be liable to` vs. `be liable for`:
`be liable for` 后接责任的对象(如损失、损害),表“对...负责”;
例:The driver is liable for the damage to the car.(司机要对车辆损坏负责。)
`be liable to` 后接动作/结果(如做某事、受处罚),表“可能做/需承担”。
`be liable to` vs. `be likely to`:
`be likely to` 更中性,可用于任何可能性(好/坏);
例:He’s likely to come to the party.(他可能会来派对。)
`be liable to` 更负面,侧重“不好的可能性”或“法律责任”;
例:He’s liable to forget important dates.(他容易忘记重要日期。)
当描述“容易/可能发生不好的事”或“必须承担法律/义务责任”时,用 `be liable to`;
搭配动词原形(`do sth.`)或名词(`sth.`),需根据语境判断具体含义。
通过例句和搭配区分,能更准确掌握其用法~