most prone to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most prone to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is more susceptible to a certain thing than others. Example: People who are most prone to stress are those who take on too many responsibilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which states are most prone to conflict?

The Economist

"D-RAM is most prone to volatility," Mr. Okamura acknowledged.

The New York Times

Areas that experience training will be most prone to flooding.

The Washington Post

Douglas fir trees that have Swiss needlecast infections were most prone to winter injury.

Cornell University

Older women are most prone to yell if you make a mistake.

The New York Times

"They are the ones most prone to try and touch the paintings".

The New York Times

It ended up excluding the sorts of classic psychotic patients most prone to violence.

The New York Times

It's the entrees that Mr. Allegretti is most prone to overworking.

The New York Times - Food

Experts suggest figuring out ways to prevent situations that make you most prone to yell.

The New York Times

The locations most prone to flooding are those areas that are most built up.

The New York Times

Some species of albatross and shearwaters seem to be the most prone to eating plastic pieces.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most prone to", ensure you clearly identify the specific factor or condition to which something is susceptible. This provides clarity and context for your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "most prone to" without specifying the 'to' element. For example, instead of saying 'This type of engine is most prone,' specify 'This type of engine is "most prone to" overheating' to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most prone to" functions as an adjectival modifier describing a subject's heightened susceptibility or vulnerability to a specific condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most prone to" is a versatile phrase used to describe a heightened susceptibility or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its function is to identify a specific vulnerability, and while it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. Be mindful to specify the 'to' element to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""most susceptible to"" or ""most vulnerable to"" depending on your intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most susceptible to

This alternative directly substitutes "prone" with "susceptible", emphasizing vulnerability.

most vulnerable to

Replaces "prone" with "vulnerable", highlighting the potential for harm or negative impact.

most liable to

This uses "liable" to indicate a higher chance of experiencing something, often negative.

most inclined to

This phrase indicates a natural tendency or predisposition towards something.

most predisposed to

Similar to "inclined", but suggests a stronger, inherent tendency.

at highest risk of

This alternative focuses on the potential danger or negative outcome.

most susceptible of developing

Specifically targets the development of a condition or state.

in danger of

Expresses that someone or something is exposed to a threat or risk.

easily affected by

Focuses on the ease with which something can be influenced or harmed.

particularly sensitive to

Indicates a heightened sensitivity and reactivity to a specific stimulus or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "most prone to" to indicate a higher likelihood or susceptibility to something. For instance, "Areas near the coast are "most prone to" flooding during hurricane season".

What's a good alternative to "most prone to"?

Alternatives include "most susceptible to", "most vulnerable to", or "most liable to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "mostly prone to" instead of "most prone to"?

While "mostly prone to" is understandable, "most prone to" is more grammatically standard and widely accepted in formal writing. Consider "mostly prone to" for informal context.

What's the difference between "most prone to" and "most likely to"?

"Most prone to" suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, often negative, while "most likely to" simply indicates the highest probability of something occurring, without a negative connotation. It's a matter of context and nuance.