are less prone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less prone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduced likelihood or susceptibility to something, often in a comparative context. Example: "Children who engage in regular physical activity are less prone to obesity than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women are less prone to entitlement humor than men.

The New York Times

The reason might be that legacy media are less prone to tricking the algorithm.

The Guardian - Tech

Fed staff members are less prone than professors to go out on a paradigm-shaking limb.

The Guardian - Business

They are less prone than metal to weakening with repeated flexing, a condition called fatigue.

The New York Times - Science

This means they are less prone to sex-linked genetic defects.

The Economist

For another, they are less prone to avoidance and cheaper to collect.

The New York Times

In slow-twitch mode they burn fat, and are less prone to fatigue.

The Economist

This allows the writers more creative freedom to begin with, as they are less prone to ratings-related pressures.

The New Yorker

Women are far more likely than men to develop chronic bronchitis, and are less prone to emphysema.

The New York Times

Anyway, one of the main reasons given for breast-feeding is that breast-fed children are less prone to allergies.

The New York Times

Already, the inflation rate on services, which are less prone to competition from overseas, has been edging up steadily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups or items, ensure the comparison is clear and the factors influencing the difference in propensity are well-defined. For instance, "Plants grown in shade are less prone to sunburn than those grown in direct sunlight".

Common error

Avoid assuming that because one group is "less prone" to something, it's solely due to the factor being compared. There may be other underlying variables at play. For example, stating "People with higher education are less prone to unemployment" might overlook socioeconomic factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less prone" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that has a lower probability or tendency to experience a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig provides many examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less prone" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative phrase used to indicate a reduced likelihood or susceptibility. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage and provides ample examples from diverse sources. The phrase sees frequent use in scientific, news, and general contexts, making it a valuable tool for expressing relative probabilities or tendencies. While generally neutral, awareness of potential causation errors and careful attention to the subject of comparison will strengthen your writing. Ludwig's diverse collection of examples ensures that writers can confidently and correctly employ this expression across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as susceptible

Replaces "prone" with "susceptible", emphasizing a lack of vulnerability.

are less susceptible

A more concise synonym, focuses on reduced sensitivity

are less vulnerable to

Replaces "prone" with "vulnerable", highlighting reduced exposure to harm.

have a lower risk

Focuses on risk assessment rather than inherent tendency.

are not as subject to

Indicates reduced subjection to influence or impact

are less likely to experience

Uses "likely to experience" to express reduced probability.

demonstrate reduced susceptibility

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a measurable reduction in susceptibility.

are at a decreased risk of

Similar to "have a lower risk" but with a more formal tone.

are less disposed to

Emphasizes a reduced tendency or inclination.

are not as inclined to

Shifts the focus to inclination rather than susceptibility.

FAQs

How can I use "are less prone" in a sentence?

Use "are less prone" to indicate a reduced likelihood or susceptibility to something. For example, "Stainless steel items "are less prone" to rust than iron items."

What's a simple alternative to "are less prone"?

A simpler alternative is "are less likely". For example, instead of saying "Older cars are less prone to theft because of anti-theft devices", you could say "Older cars are less likely to be stolen because of anti-theft devices".

Is it better to say "are less prone to" or "are less susceptible to"?

Both "are less prone to" and "are less susceptible to" are correct and similar in meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired formality. "Are less susceptible to" often sounds more formal.

Can "are less prone" be used for both physical and abstract concepts?

Yes, "are less prone" can be used for both physical (e.g., "This material is less prone to scratches") and abstract concepts (e.g., "Experienced investors "are less prone" to panic selling").