You’re writing an email, a comment, or maybe a blog post. You want to say someone is not telling the truth. You type lier… then pause. Red underline. Doubt. Is it liar or lier?
You’re not alone. This is a very common spelling confusion for English learners, writers, students, and even native speakers. People search for “liar or lier” because both spellings look possible, but only one is correct.
The confusion comes from English spelling rules and similar-looking words like lie, lying, and layer.
This article solves that confusion once and for all. You’ll get a quick answer, clear examples, history of the word, British vs American usage, common mistakes, and real-life examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly which spelling to use and why without overthinking it.
Liar or Lier – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is liar.
Lier is incorrect and not a real English word.
✅ Correct:
- He is a liar.
- Don’t trust him. He’s a liar.
- Calling someone a liar can be serious.
❌ Incorrect:
- He is a lier. ❌
- She’s such a lier. ❌
Rule to remember:
Someone who tells lies is a liar, not a lier.
The Origin of Liar or Lier
The word liar comes from the verb lie, meaning “to say something untrue.”
- Lie (verb) → liar (noun)
- One who lies → a liar
This word entered English from Old English lēogan, meaning “to lie or deceive.”
So why does lier look tempting?
Because English has words like:
- Runner (run → runner)
- Writer (write → writer)
People assume:
- Lie → lier ❌
But English does not follow that rule here. Over time, the accepted noun became liar, not lier. The spelling is fixed by usage and history, not logic.
British English vs American English Spelling
Here’s the good news:
There is NO difference between British and American English for this word.
Both use:
- liar ✅
Both reject:
- lier ❌
Comparison Table
| Variant | American English | British English |
| liar | ✅ Correct | ✅ Correct |
| lier | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
So no matter where you are—US, UK, Canada, Australia—liar is always right.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use LIAR in all cases.
Based on audience:
- US audience → liar
- UK audience → liar
- International / global → liar
There is no situation where lier is correct.
If you want safe, professional, and correct English—liar is the only option.
Common Mistakes with Liar or Lier
Here are frequent errors people make:
❌ Mistake 1: Spelling it as lier
- “He is a lier.” ❌
✔ Correction: “He is a liar.”
❌ Mistake 2: Confusing with lying
- “He is a liar because he is lier.” ❌
✔ Correction: “He is a liar because he is lying.”
❌ Mistake 3: Thinking lier is a variant
- There is no alternative spelling.
❌ Mistake 4: Auto-correct trust
- Spellcheck may not always catch context errors.
Tip: If you mean “a person who lies,” always choose liar.
Liar or Lier in Everyday Examples
📧 Emails
- “I felt hurt when you called me a liar.”
- “Please don’t label anyone a liar without proof.”
📰 News
- “The politician denied claims that he was a liar.”
- “False statements led critics to call him a liar.”
📱 Social Media
- “Stop spreading rumors. Don’t be a liar.”
- “Calling someone a liar online can cause trouble.”
📝 Formal Writing
- “The witness was proven to be a liar.”
- “Credibility is lost when one is labeled a liar.”
Liar or Lier – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- “liar” is widely used and searched worldwide.
- “lier” appears mostly due to spelling confusion.
Usage by context:
- Education → spelling help, grammar checks
- Social media → insults, opinions
- Legal & news → credibility and truth
By country:
- High searches in the US, UK, India, Pakistan, Canada
- Mostly by English learners and writers
This confirms user intent: people want to know which spelling is correct fast and clearly.
Read More.Ensure or Insure: Learn the Correct Usage Easily Today
Comparison Table: Liar vs Lier
| Feature | Liar | Lier |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary word | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in US English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in UK English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Meaning | Person who tells lies | None |
| Safe for exams & writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
FAQs: Liar or Lier
1. Is lier ever correct?
No. Lier is not a correct English word.
2. Why does lier look correct?
Because of words like writer or runner. But English is irregular.
3. Is liar a noun or adjective?
It is a noun.
4. What is the verb form of liar?
The verb is lie (to lie).
5. What is the adjective form?
There is no direct adjective. Use phrases like dishonest person.
6. Can liar be used in formal writing?
Yes, but carefully. It can sound strong or accusatory.
7. How do I remember the spelling?
Think: liar has “ar” like “bad character.”
Conclusion
The confusion between liar or lier is common but the answer is simple. Liar is the only correct spelling. Lier does not exist in standard English and should never be used in writing, exams, emails, or professional work.
This word stays the same in British English, American English, and global English. There are no regional differences, no alternative forms, and no exceptions. If you mean a person who tells lies, the spelling is always liar.
Remembering this saves you from embarrassment, spelling mistakes, and credibility issues. Whether you’re a student, writer, blogger, or professional, using the correct form helps your English look confident and polished
Mark Nichol is an English language writer and editor.
He focuses on spelling confusion, word comparisons, and clear usage rules.
