becomes prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'becomes prone to' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is more likely to happen or occur due to certain circumstances. For example, "With a weakened immune system, the elderly become prone to various infections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Otherwise the system becomes prone to 'beating' phenomenon.

International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics

Post-menopause physiological changes are particularly noticeable in the skin, which loses structural architecture and becomes prone to damage.

Maturitas

As Hilaire Belloc said, terror causes a sudden "paralysis of the soul": the mind is destabilized; it resists complexity, becomes prone to misjudgments.

The New Yorker

The hybrid system often loses its stability as it becomes prone to uncertain load and input parameters and therefore the necessity of Reactive power management becomes necessary.

Journal of Ocean Engineering and Science

In the case of coastal bridges, whose spans are designed to have very short vibration period, wave impacts might have duration comparable to the natural period of oscillation of the structure, which therefore becomes prone to damage and failure.

Coastal Engineering

When soil's pH value creeps downward, it becomes prone to diseases and pests that stunt plant growth.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But it has also become prone to abuse, with some pharmacies becoming, in effect, mini-drug manufacturers.

The New York Times - Health

As they thin, ice shelves become prone to collapse.

The Guardian

The beleaguered heart muscle can also become prone to potentially dangerous abnormal heart rhythms.

Harvard University

Secondly, crystals become prone to breakage only when their aspect ratio exceeds a certain limit.

Chemical Engineering Science

He choked on food and his own secretions, and became prone to respiratory infections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes prone to" when you want to indicate an increased likelihood or susceptibility as a result of a specific condition or change. For example, "After the surgery, the patient becomes prone to infections."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "becomes prone to" can sound somewhat informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "becomes susceptible to" or "is at risk of" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes prone to" functions as a linking phrase that connects a subject with an increased likelihood of experiencing a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its acceptability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "becomes prone to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate increased susceptibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its presence in both scientific and general contexts. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider context-specific alternatives, such as "becomes susceptible to" or "becomes vulnerable to", to enhance clarity and formality. When employing the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a change in state leading to heightened risk or likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes susceptible to

Implies a heightened sensitivity or vulnerability, often used in medical or scientific contexts.

becomes vulnerable to

Highlights a weakness or lack of protection, suggesting an increased risk of harm.

becomes liable to

Indicates a legal or formal responsibility, suggesting a potential for negative consequences.

becomes subject to

Suggests being under the control or influence of something, often implying a lack of choice.

becomes inclined to

Highlights a tendency or predisposition toward a particular behavior or state.

becomes apt to

Indicates a natural or inherent tendency, suggesting a high probability of occurrence.

tends to develop

Focuses on the process of developing a condition or characteristic, emphasizing the progression over time.

is at risk of developing

Emphasizes the potential for a negative outcome, particularly in health-related contexts.

runs the risk of

Highlights the possibility of encountering a dangerous or undesirable situation.

opens itself up to

Suggests creating an opportunity for something to occur, often implying a deliberate action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "becomes prone to" indicates an increased likelihood of something happening. For example, "As the machine ages, it "becomes prone to" breakdowns."

What are some alternatives to "becomes prone to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "becomes susceptible to", "becomes vulnerable to", or "is at risk of", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is prone to" or "becomes prone to"?

"Is prone to" describes a general tendency, while "becomes prone to" describes a change in condition. For example, "He is prone to headaches" versus "After the injury, he "becomes prone to" headaches".

What's the difference between "becomes prone to" and "becomes susceptible to"?

While similar, "becomes susceptible to" often implies a heightened sensitivity, especially in medical or scientific contexts, while "becomes prone to" is more general. You might say "The patient becomes susceptible to infection" or "The old car "becomes prone to" breakdowns".