less prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

'less prone to' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to something which is less likely to happen than usual. For example, you could say "The new model of this car is less prone to breakdowns than its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're lazier, too, less prone to experimentation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Supple, well-stretched muscles are less prone to injury.

Harvard University

This is much simpler and less prone to noise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The fever remained, but I was less prone to chills.

The New Yorker

They were less prone to tipping forward than quad skates.

The New Yorker

Women are less prone to entitlement humor than men.

The New York Times

Critics are no less prone to this fallacy.

The New Yorker

Will the latter be less prone to obsolescence?

The Guardian - Tech

They are bigger, stronger and less prone to contagious infection.

The Economist

They are also less prone to cyclical swings.

The Economist

Today IT departments are much less prone to wasting money.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less prone to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being avoided or reduced. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overstating the certainty of prevention when using "less prone to". This phrase indicates a reduction in likelihood, not a guarantee of avoidance. Acknowledge the remaining possibility of occurrence for accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less prone to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is at a reduced risk or has a lower probability of experiencing a particular condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less prone to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a reduced likelihood or susceptibility. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its versatility is showcased across various fields like news, academia, and science. When using "less prone to", clarity is key; ensure that the context specifies what potential negative outcome is being mitigated. While effective, avoid overstating the degree of prevention it implies. Alternatives like "less vulnerable to" or "less susceptible to" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as prone to

A more direct way of expressing a lower tendency or likelihood.

less susceptible to

Indicates a reduced sensitivity or vulnerability; emphasizes a weaker reaction when exposed.

less vulnerable to

Highlights a diminished risk of being harmed or negatively affected by something.

less subject to

Indicates a reduced level of exposure or control by something.

less susceptible of

Highlights a diminished likelihood of something happening.

less inclined to

Focuses on a decreased tendency or willingness to do something.

less exposed to

Focuses on a decreased level of contact or interaction with something.

less likely to experience

Emphasizes a lower probability of undergoing a particular event or condition.

less at risk of

Highlights a diminished chance of facing potential danger or harm.

less easily affected by

Focuses on a decreased impact or influence from something.

FAQs

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

Use "less prone to" to describe something that has a reduced likelihood of experiencing a negative outcome. For example, "Properly maintained equipment is "less prone to" failure".

What are some alternatives to using "less prone to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "less vulnerable to", "less susceptible to", or "less likely to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less prone to" or "not prone to"?

"Less prone to" indicates a reduced likelihood, while "not prone to" suggests a very low or almost nonexistent likelihood. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of probability you want to convey.

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

While both phrases imply a reduced likelihood, "less prone to" generally refers to a tendency or disposition, while "less susceptible to" often refers to a vulnerability or sensitivity to external factors. They are often interchangeable but can have subtle differences in nuance.