prone to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"prone to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a tendency to do or experience something. For example, "She was prone to be late for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Prone to be opinionated and cocky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, more importantly, society is now less prone to be provoked by racial agendas.

The Guardian

Colleagues say he looks exhausted and that he is prone to be irritable and impatient.

The New York Times

Research in Britain proved that consumers are prone to be misled by some health claims.

The New York Times

If you look like you're in a hurry, you're prone to be taken advantage of".

The New York Times

The women are a little older, sicker and less prone to be activists".

The New York Times - Health

For a woman, we gather, the political is more prone to be dogged by the personal.

Independent

Lesser characters were prone to be depicted in a more individualized fashion.

The New York Times - Arts

The Israelis believe that they are prone to be biased, in other words, and that they get in the way.

The New York Times

Reverend Butts is the kind of silver-tongued clergyman who is prone to be carried away by his own oratory.

The New York Times - Magazine

But some of those who hold more xenophobic views are prone to be a bit more aggressive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prone to be" to clearly indicate a tendency or susceptibility, ensuring the context makes the potential outcome evident.

Common error

While "prone to be" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Vary your language by using more precise synonyms like "susceptible", "vulnerable", or "inclined" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to be" functions as an adjective phrase followed by the infinitive "be", modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a tendency or susceptibility. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to be" is a versatile phrase used to express a tendency or likelihood, often with a negative connotation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While generally neutral in register, varying your language with synonyms like "susceptible to" or "inclined to be" can enhance the precision and sophistication of your writing. Ludwig's examples illustrate its utility in describing vulnerabilities and potential risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to happen

Focuses on the probability of an event.

inclined to occur

Highlights a natural tendency for something to take place.

susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability to a particular condition or influence.

vulnerable to

Stresses the potential for being harmed or affected negatively.

apt to

Suggests a natural or habitual tendency.

tending to be

Implies an ongoing inclination toward a certain state or behavior.

predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

liable to

Indicates a risk or potential for something undesirable.

subject to

Conveys that something is under the influence or control of another.

open to

Implies a receptiveness or exposure to something.

FAQs

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

Use "prone to be" to indicate a tendency or likelihood. For example, "Due to her weakened immune system, she is "susceptible to" colds".

What are some alternatives to "prone to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "likely to be", "inclined to be", or "susceptible to".

Is there a difference between "prone to be" and "likely to be"?

While similar, "prone to be" often implies a negative consequence or vulnerability, whereas "likely to be" is more neutral. For example, "He is prone to accidents" suggests a higher risk of accidents due to carelessness or circumstance.

When is it best to use "prone to be" in writing?

Use "prone to be" when you want to emphasize a tendency or susceptibility to something, especially something negative or undesirable. It's particularly useful in scientific, medical, or technical writing to describe potential risks or vulnerabilities.