be prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

'be prone to' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is likely to have or do something, usually something negative. Example: People who are highly stressed can be prone to making poor choices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You would be prone to osteoporosis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It can be prone to dispute".

The Guardian

Moreover, any crud rating will be prone to cultural relativism.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have the perfect profile to be prone to radicalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why should the stressed brain be prone to habit formation?

The New York Times - Science

But they have also proved to be prone to overheating.

The New York Times

I thought I might just be prone to suggestion.

The New York Times

Societies that repress women tend to be prone to violence.

The New York Times

RECENT converts tend to be prone to missionary zeal.

The Economist

Under-regulated private companies can be prone to corruption too.

The Economist

Such targeting will be prone to well-known errors of unfair exclusion and unjustified inclusion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be prone to" when indicating a higher likelihood of experiencing something, especially negative events or conditions. For instance, "During the winter months, the elderly are more prone to respiratory infections."

Common error

The phrase "be prone to" typically suggests a negative tendency. Avoid using it in contexts where you intend to convey a positive or desirable outcome. For example, instead of "He is prone to success", consider "He is likely to succeed" or "He has a tendency to succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be prone to" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's tendency or susceptibility towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this often indicates a negative or undesirable outcome. For instance, "Labradors can be prone to hip problems."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be prone to" is a versatile expression indicating a tendency or susceptibility towards something, often negative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science, and should be used with care to avoid suggesting negative outcomes unintentionally. Consider alternatives like ""be susceptible to"" or ""be inclined to"" for nuanced meanings. While generally neutral in register, it’s important to be aware of its typical association with undesirable results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be susceptible to

This alternative emphasizes a vulnerability or lack of resistance to something.

be vulnerable to

Highlights a weakness or exposure to potential harm or negative effects.

be at risk of

Similar to "be vulnerable to", highlighting the potential for negative outcomes.

be liable to

This suggests a legal or formal likelihood, often implying responsibility.

be predisposed to

Suggests a genetic or inherent tendency toward something.

be subject to

Implies being under the power or control of something, often involuntarily.

be inclined to

This indicates a natural tendency or preference towards something.

be apt to

Similar to "be inclined to", but can also suggest a habitual action.

tend to

A more general way of saying something happens frequently or is likely.

run the risk of

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or dangers of a particular action or situation.

FAQs

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

"Be prone to" is used to indicate that someone or something has a tendency to experience or do something, often negative. For instance, "Older cars are "prone to" mechanical failures" or "Individuals with weakened immune systems "are prone to" infections".

What are some alternatives to "be prone to"?

Alternatives to "be prone to" include "be susceptible to", "be inclined to", "be liable to", and "tend to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "prone to" or "pro-ne to"?

The correct spelling is "prone to". "Pro-ne to" is not a recognized phrase in English.

What's the difference between "be prone to" and "be likely to"?

While both indicate a tendency, "be prone to" often implies a negative or undesirable outcome, whereas "be likely to" is more neutral. For example, "He is "prone to" accidents" suggests he frequently has accidents, while "He is "likely to" succeed" simply means he has a good chance of succeeding.