are prone to error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are prone to error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or likelihood of making mistakes in a particular context or situation. Example: "In complex calculations, even experienced mathematicians are prone to error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition manual and graphical approaches are prone to error.

Automation in Construction

But like any narratives, these are prone to error and exaggeration.

Independent

First, international markets in capital are prone to error, whereas international markets in goods are not.

The Economist

Error tester: Rice University researcher Avinash Lingamneni tests prototype circuits that are prone to error but operate efficiently.

MIT Technology Review

Many different manual methods have been used, but are prone to error.

The Foot

The medication administration process is complex and cumbersome, and nursing staffs are prone to error when they are tired.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

Comparisons of the absolute amounts each country spends on defense are prone to error and must always be used with caution.

Britannica

Such estimates are prone to error, but it is difficult to correct estimates of survival for such errors when the pattern of the errors is not known.

Nature

Eye-witness-accounts are prone to error because memories are so easily corrupted, so that how police question a witness determines how accurately the witness will recall events.

University of California, Berkeley

We learned that the methods are antiquated, subjective and needlessly complicated — and, as a result, are prone to error and to potential interference from political appointees.

The New York Times

The reported figures for child support payments are prone to error, so college financial aid administrators often ask families to verify the amount of child support received.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are prone to error", clearly specify what is susceptible to mistakes. For example, instead of saying "calculations are prone to error", specify "manual calculations are prone to error".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "are prone to error" without providing context or justification. Saying that something is prone to error without explaining why can weaken your argument. Always provide a reason or example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are prone to error" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a tendency or likelihood of making mistakes. It suggests that something is susceptible to errors under certain conditions. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI's assessment and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are prone to error" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe something susceptible to mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use, with a neutral to formal tone. Common contexts include science, news, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, specify what exactly is prone to error. Alternative phrasing includes "are susceptible to mistakes" or "are inclined to make errors", depending on context. Be careful to provide context when you use the phrase and avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are susceptible to mistakes

Focuses on susceptibility, implying a vulnerability or openness to making errors.

are inclined to make errors

Emphasizes inclination, suggesting a natural tendency to commit errors.

are liable to make mistakes

Highlights liability, indicating a probability or risk of making errors.

tend to err

Uses "tend to" to express a general habit or pattern of making mistakes.

are apt to be mistaken

Highlights the condition of being mistaken, suggesting a higher chance of incorrectness.

are easily mistaken

Focuses on ease, indicating that making errors is easy or common.

carry a risk of error

Introduces the concept of risk, suggesting that errors are a potential outcome.

are vulnerable to errors

Emphasizes vulnerability, implying a lack of protection against making errors.

are at risk of errors

Highlights the state of being at risk, indicating a potential exposure to making errors.

are susceptible to inaccuracies

Shifts the focus to inaccuracies, suggesting that the errors are related to precision or correctness.

FAQs

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

You can use "are prone to error" to describe something that has a tendency or likelihood to contain mistakes. For example, "Manual data entry processes "are prone to error" due to human fatigue".

What are some alternatives to "are prone to error"?

Alternatives include "are susceptible to mistakes", "are inclined to make errors", or "are liable to make mistakes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "are prone to error" or "are prone to errors"?

While both are technically correct, "are prone to error" is generally preferred as it refers to the general concept of error rather than specific instances. "Are prone to errors" is also acceptable but less common.

What makes something "are prone to error"?

Several factors can make something "are prone to error", including human involvement, complex processes, reliance on subjective judgment, and use of outdated methods. Understanding these factors can help mitigate the risk of errors.