it is vulnerable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is vulnerable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to an object, event, or situation that is exposed to and could possibly be affected by some type of risk, danger, or harm. Example: The ancient castle is vulnerable to the elements, and conservation efforts must be taken to preserve its ancient walls.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Being sequential by its nature, it is vulnerable to single event upsets.

Acta Astronautica

Alternatively, the PhrB proteins may function to benefit T. adhaerens in its aquatic niche if it is vulnerable to substantial UV light.

Genome Biology and Evolution

It is vulnerable to defaults by its borrowers, not its lenders.

The New York Times

Firstly, it is vulnerable to selection bias because of its rather low response rate.

BMC Public Health

First, it is vulnerable to the inherent disadvantages of its retrospective design.

BioMed Research International

Its adaptive capacity is therefore almost nonexistent, and it is vulnerable to various pathogens such as dasheen mosaic virus (DMV) or Pythium myriotylum Drechsler (Lebot, 2009).

Applications in Plant Sciences

It is vulnerable to revolt from within.

The New Yorker

But it is vulnerable to vandalism.

The Economist

However, it is vulnerable to high winds.

Engineering Structures

Like all large modern cities it is vulnerable to disruption.

The Economist

It is vulnerable to bad news from abroad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "it is vulnerable to" and its alternatives, such as "it is susceptible to" or "it is prone to", which may convey slightly different nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "it is vulnerable to" without specifying what it is vulnerable to. Saying "the system is vulnerable" lacks informative content; instead, specify "the system is vulnerable to cyber attacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is vulnerable to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being susceptible or exposed to potential harm, damage, or negative influence. Ludwig's examples show a wide range of subjects, from physical objects to abstract systems, that can be described using this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is vulnerable to" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate susceptibility or exposure to potential harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, remember to clearly specify the threat or risk to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. While synonyms like "it is susceptible to" and "it is prone to" exist, "it is vulnerable to" offers a neutral and direct way to communicate potential weaknesses. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is susceptible to

Emphasizes a tendency to be affected by something.

it is prone to

Highlights a likelihood or predisposition towards something negative.

it is exposed to

Focuses on the lack of protection from a specific element or influence.

it is open to

Suggests accessibility or potential for impact, often implying a lack of defense.

it is at risk of

Indicates a potential danger or threat.

it is defenseless against

Stresses the absence of means to resist or protect.

it is unguarded against

Underscores a lack of watchfulness or protection.

it lacks immunity to

Highlights the absence of resistance to a specific disease or influence.

it is susceptible to being affected by

Expresses sensitivity or responsiveness to an external factor.

it is liable to

Suggests a legal or probabilistic exposure to something.

FAQs

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

Use "it is vulnerable to" to indicate that something is susceptible or at risk of being harmed or affected by something else. For example, "The old bridge "it is vulnerable to" collapse due to erosion".

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

While similar, "it is vulnerable to" emphasizes the potential for harm or damage, while "it is susceptible to" implies a greater likelihood or tendency to be affected.

What are some alternatives to "it is vulnerable to"?

Alternatives include "it is prone to", "it is at risk of", and "it is exposed to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was vulnerable to"?

Yes, "it was vulnerable to" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense form of ""it is vulnerable to"" and indicates that something was susceptible or at risk in the past.