highly prone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly prone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is particularly likely to happen or that is particularly sensitive to certain influences. For example, "The wooden bridge was highly prone to rot due to the marshy environment in which it was placed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a creative process, highly prone to suggestion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Observational studies, though, are highly prone to bias, wrong conclusions, and thus bad information.

The Guardian - Opinion

The implants were also highly prone to deflating, the F.D.A. said.

The New York Times

Memory is, in fact, a creative, fallible process, highly prone to suggestion and other distorting influences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hypnotism is a state of deep relaxation, when people become highly prone to suggestion, psychologists find.

The New York Times - Health

They can develop emphysema even if they never smoke, and are highly prone to it if they do smoke.

The New York Times

Gonaives, a low-lying northern city highly prone to devastating flooding, was a major concern in Haiti.

The Washington Post

However, due to its nature, Bare bones PSO is highly prone to premature convergence and stagnation.

Applied Soft Computing

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are highly prone to microbial contamination, which leads to their degradation and biofouling.

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation

The landscape of risk society is highly prone to social, natural, and technical hazards.

Hazards, Risks and Disasters in Society

The emulsions were highly prone to creaming and phase separation at intermediate LBG concentrations (0.2 0.8%).

Food Hydrocolloids

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly prone", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is prone to. For example, "This region is "highly prone" to earthquakes." This adds clarity and precision.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "highly prone" without stating what the subject is prone to. For example, avoid saying "This material is "highly prone"" without adding "to corrosion" or a similar clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly prone" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate a strong tendency or likelihood towards a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly prone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a strong tendency or susceptibility towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and business writing. When using "highly prone", remember to specify what the subject is prone to for clarity. Common errors include omitting the object or cause of the tendency. Related phrases like "very susceptible" and "extremely vulnerable" can offer nuanced alternatives. With this guidance, you can confidently incorporate "highly prone" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to

Focuses on a specific sensitivity and vulnerability.

very susceptible

Emphasizes vulnerability and sensitivity to certain influences.

extremely vulnerable

Highlights a significant degree of weakness and exposure to potential harm.

particularly susceptible

Focuses on a specific vulnerability, making it stand out.

especially liable

Indicates a legal or moral responsibility for something.

at high risk

Conveys a greater chance of encountering danger or negative consequences.

predisposed to

Highlights an inherent tendency or inclination towards something.

subject to

Implies being under the authority or control of something, often leading to a particular outcome.

liable to

Indicates a strong possibility of experiencing something, often negative.

inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or preference towards a particular action or state.

FAQs

How can I use "highly prone" in a sentence?

You can use "highly prone" to describe something with a strong tendency towards a particular condition or outcome. For example, "Coastal areas are "highly prone" to flooding during hurricane season."

What are some alternatives to using "highly prone"?

Alternatives include "very susceptible", "extremely vulnerable", or "particularly susceptible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "highly prone to" or "highly prone of"?

"Highly prone" is typically followed by "to". The correct phrasing is "highly prone to" as in, "This type of soil is highly prone to erosion."

What's the difference between "highly prone" and "highly vulnerable"?

"Highly prone" indicates a strong tendency towards something, while "highly vulnerable" suggests a weakness or susceptibility to harm. "Highly prone" is broader and can refer to any tendency, while "highly vulnerable" specifically implies a risk of being harmed.