Prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prone to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a tendency or susceptibility to something, often negative or undesirable. Example: "He is prone to making impulsive decisions that he later regrets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prone to self-destruct.

The New York Times - Books

Prone to sudden unpredictable failure.

Independent

Prone to wandering.

WikiHow

They're prone to violence.

The New York Times

He was prone to hallucinations.

The New York Times - Sports

People are prone to madness.

The New Yorker

They are prone to bugs.

The Economist

Americans are prone to excess.

The New York Times

Monocultures are prone to disease.

The Economist

"He's prone to lung infection.

Independent

He was prone to gaffes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prone to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the negative outcome or tendency being described. For instance, "The old bridge is prone to collapse" clearly conveys a risk.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to" when the outcome is certain or already happening. "Prone to" indicates a tendency or likelihood, not an inevitability. For example, instead of saying "The car is prone to breaking down (when it already has)", consider "The car has broken down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a tendency or susceptibility towards a particular state or action. Ludwig AI provides several examples, such as "prone to wander" or "prone to violence", demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to" is a commonly used phrase indicating a tendency or susceptibility, often towards negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. When using "prone to", ensure you clearly convey the likely negative outcome and avoid using it when the event is already certain. Alternatives like "inclined to" or "susceptible to" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember that, as shown by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently used in news and media, though it also appears in wikis and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inclined to

Similar in meaning, indicating a natural tendency or disposition towards something.

Susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

Liable to

Suggests a higher probability or risk of something happening.

Apt to

Indicates a natural or habitual tendency.

Vulnerable to

Highlights a weakness or lack of protection against something.

Tending to

Describes a general pattern or behavior.

Predisposed to

Implies a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

Open to

Suggests receptiveness or willingness, but can also imply vulnerability.

Subject to

Indicates that something is conditional or dependent on something else.

Given to

Implies a habitual or characteristic behavior.

FAQs

How do I use "prone to" in a sentence?

"Prone to" is used to describe a tendency or susceptibility towards something, often negative. For example, "He is "prone to" making mistakes when he's tired".

What are some alternatives to "prone to"?

Alternatives include "inclined to", "susceptible to", or "liable to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prone to" followed by a noun?

While "prone to" is typically followed by a verb (e.g., "prone to wander"), you can use it with a noun by adding a linking verb (e.g., "prone to lung infection").

What's the difference between "prone to" and "vulnerable to"?

"Prone to" implies a natural tendency, while "vulnerable to" suggests a weakness or lack of protection. Someone might be "prone to" headaches due to genetics, but "vulnerable to" criticism because of their position.