is prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is prone to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is likely to happen or be affected by something else. For example: "He is prone to getting lost in the city, so I always offer to accompany him when he goes there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is prone to gaffes.

The Economist

Wu is prone to over-ordering.

The New York Times

(Las Vegas is prone to earthquakes).

The New York Times

Reid is prone to crassly impolitic remarks.

The New Yorker

You say he is prone to headaches.

The New York Times

However, he too is prone to mistakes.

The New York Times

But Mr Humala is prone to zigzags.

The Economist

Gates is prone to exaggeration, even cheerleading.

The New York Times - Books

America is prone to bouts of declinism.

The Economist

Myanmar is prone to violent tropical storms.

The New York Times

Rupert Everett is prone to moodiness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is prone to" when you want to express that something or someone has a natural or habitual tendency to experience or exhibit a certain characteristic, often negative, like "This type of engine is prone to overheating".

Common error

While "is prone to" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "is susceptible to" or "is vulnerable to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is prone to" functions as a predicative adjective, describing a subject's tendency or susceptibility towards a particular condition or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Examples show it's used to indicate likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is prone to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a tendency or susceptibility, particularly towards negative outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While very common, varying your language with synonyms like "is susceptible to" or "is vulnerable to" can enhance your writing's style. Remember that "is prone to" often carries a negative connotation, so consider the context carefully. Mastering its usage involves understanding when to use it and when to opt for alternatives to avoid repetition and maintain a nuanced tone. Its frequency in News & Media underlines its significance in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or a high likelihood of being affected by something.

is liable to

Suggests a legal or probabilistic risk or tendency.

is inclined to

Indicates a natural disposition or tendency towards something.

is apt to

Similar to 'inclined to' but can also imply a habitual tendency.

is vulnerable to

Highlights the state of being easily harmed or affected.

is subject to

Indicates that something is under the power or control of something else, often leading to a particular outcome.

tends to

A more general way of saying something usually happens or is likely to happen.

has a tendency to

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing a habitual inclination.

is at risk of

Specifically emphasizes potential danger or negative outcome.

is predisposed to

Suggests a genetic or inherent inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "is prone to" to indicate a tendency or likelihood of something happening, especially something negative. For instance, "This old car is prone to breaking down in cold weather".

What are some alternatives to "is prone to"?

Alternatives to "is prone to" include "is susceptible to", "is vulnerable to", or "tends to", depending on the specific context.

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

The choice between "is prone to" and "tends to" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Is prone to" often implies a negative or undesirable outcome, while "tends to" is more neutral.

Is "is prone to" formal or informal?

"Is prone to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using synonyms like "is susceptible to" or "is liable to" for a more sophisticated tone.