it is prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is prone to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a tendency or likelihood for something to experience a particular condition or outcome. Example: "The software is prone to crashing during high traffic periods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Given its observational nature it is prone to different types of confounding, for which we have tried to account for by using propensity scores and multivariate logistic regression.

BioMed Research International

However, its production is affected because it is prone to many diseases.

BMC Genomics

Lacking oil and coal, it is prone to electricity shortages.

The Economist

It is prone to asinine generalities ("People have long memories in Belfast") and mealy-mouthed judgments.

The Guardian - Books

While she is "splintering into bits", the world, as it is prone to do, rolls on.

The Guardian - Books

It is prone to earth tremors, and the tidal wave was not its first.

The Economist

"Russian equipment is not always the best, and it is prone to failures".

The New York Times

The moment a crack forms in a piece of glass, it is prone to spread.

The New York Times - Science

It is prone to a feel-good formalism that draws intriguing likenesses without necessarily illuminating deeper similarities or differences.

The New York Times

Because it is prone to moderate-to-large earthquakes, Algeria has strict building codes, Dr. Meghraoui said.

The New York Times

"The environment there is already a floodplain, it is prone to flooding even without the creation of artificial lakes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is prone to", ensure the subject and the potential outcome are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It is prone to failure", specify "The old hard drive is prone to failure."

Common error

Avoid using "it is prone to" without providing context or specific examples. Saying "The system is prone to errors" is less helpful than explaining what types of errors are likely and under what conditions they occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is prone to" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, indicating a tendency or susceptibility of the subject to experience a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

48%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is prone to" is a versatile phrase used to express a tendency or susceptibility to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently encountered in both scientific and news contexts. While acceptable across registers, it's most suited for neutral to formal communication. When using this phrase, be precise about the subject and potential consequence to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "it is susceptible to" or "it is liable to" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, but the phrase's core function remains consistently clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or sensitivity to something.

it is vulnerable to

Stresses the lack of protection against something.

it is liable to

Suggests a legal or probabilistic likelihood.

it tends to

Indicates a habitual or characteristic behavior.

it is predisposed to

Suggests a higher than average likelihood due to internal factors.

it is inclined to

Implies a predisposition or leaning towards something.

it is apt to

Highlights a natural or inherent tendency.

it is given to

Implies a habitual or frequent action or state.

it is subject to

Focuses on being under the control or influence of something.

it runs the risk of

Highlights the potential negative consequences.

FAQs

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

Use "it is prone to" to indicate that something has a tendency or likelihood to experience a particular condition. For instance, "This type of plastic is prone to cracking in cold weather".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is prone to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is susceptible to", "it is liable to", or "it tends to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "it is prone to" or "it is likely to"?

Both "it is prone to" and "it is likely to" can be appropriate, but "it is prone to" often suggests a weakness or inherent tendency, while "it is likely to" simply indicates a high probability. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "it is prone to" and "it is vulnerable to"?

"It is prone to" implies a natural tendency or susceptibility, whereas "it is vulnerable to" emphasizes a lack of protection or defense against something. For example, "The old bridge is prone to rust" versus "The island is vulnerable to hurricanes".