are prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

'are prone to' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the inclination or tendency to do something, as in the following example sentence: Older adults are prone to chronic illnesses due to weakened immune systems.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

"All ideologies are prone to extremes.

The Guardian - Business

Both sides are prone to lie.

The Economist

Unionists are prone to public altercations.

The Economist

They are prone to acting spacey.

The New York Times - Sports

They are prone to propaganda.

The New York Times

Schools are prone to scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both are prone to abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are prone to" to indicate a high likelihood or tendency, particularly for negative outcomes or undesirable conditions. For instance, instead of saying 'This material might break easily', you can say 'This material is prone to breaking easily'.

Common error

While "are prone to" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "are susceptible to" or "are inclined to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are prone to" functions as a predicative adjective. It describes a subject's tendency or likelihood to experience something, often negative. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are prone to" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate a tendency or susceptibility towards something, often something negative. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration of context is important to ensure the most appropriate level of formality. Consider alternatives such as "are susceptible to" or "are inclined to" for stylistic variation. The high frequency and diverse source base demonstrate its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are susceptible to

Focuses on vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

are vulnerable to

Similar to "are susceptible to", but often emphasizes a weaker defensive position.

are subject to

Indicates that something is under the control or influence of something else.

are at risk of

Highlights the potential danger or negative consequences of something.

are inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or predisposition towards something.

are predisposed to

Implies a genetic or inherent tendency towards something.

are liable to

Emphasizes a legal or formal responsibility, or a high probability of something happening.

tend to

A more general and less forceful way of indicating a common behavior or occurrence.

have a tendency to

A longer phrase that still conveys the idea of a habitual or likely action.

are apt to

Highlights the suitability or appropriateness of something happening.

FAQs

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

Use "are prone to" to indicate a tendency or likelihood of something happening. For example, "Children "are prone to" colds during the winter months".

What phrases can I use instead of "are prone to"?

You can use phrases like "are susceptible to", "are inclined to", or "are likely to" as alternatives to "are prone to".

Is it better to say "are prone to" or "are likely to"?

Both "are prone to" and "are likely to" indicate a tendency, but "are prone to" often suggests a negative consequence. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Are prone to" suggests a natural or habitual tendency, while "are vulnerable to" implies a susceptibility to harm or damage. For example, "Tropical regions "are prone to" heavy rainfall", while "Coastal areas "are vulnerable to" rising sea levels".