prone to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "'prone to break" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a physical object or an idea which has a tendency to be easily destroyed or ruined. For example: "The old bridge is prone to break due to its age and rust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This unfairly labels the Venezuelan opposition as a group prone to break the law.

The New York Times

Some of us believe that old, highly mineralized bone is more brittle, more prone to break".

The New York Times

The cars are to replace older cars that are more prone to break down.

The New York Times

The first species could be more prone to break up and speciate than the second species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also seems that trust is a fragile thing, prone to break down altogether.

The Economist

Koinadugu's status as Ebola-free remains fragile, prone to break with the slightest mistake.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Images using the older compression are more prone to breaking up.

The New York Times

Manuel Pellegrini could also decide to chase a prolific striker as Sergio Agüero is prone to breaking down, too.

The Guardian - Sport

"You had to start out by hand-cranking it forever, and it was still prone to breaking down.

The New York Times

Although mayonnaise can come together more easily in a food processor, Mr. Bunch said, it is prone to breaking.

The New York Times - Food

Although silicon pieces could be put into serial mass production, they are still relatively fragile and prone to breaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or systems, use "prone to break" to highlight inherent weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

Common error

While "prone to break" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "susceptible to damage" or "vulnerable to breakage" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to break" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's tendency or susceptibility to breaking or failing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prone to break" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something with a tendency to break or fail. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives in academic writing. Use it to effectively highlight vulnerabilities or weaknesses, but be mindful of your audience and the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily broken

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning.

vulnerable to breakage

Highlights the condition of being easily broken.

predisposed to breaking

Emphasizes an inherent tendency towards breakage.

susceptible to damage

Focuses on the vulnerability to being harmed or broken.

apt to snap

Specifically describes a sudden breaking or snapping.

inclined to fracture

Specifically refers to the tendency to crack or break.

likely to shatter

Emphasizes the likelihood of sudden and forceful breakage.

liable to give way

Implies a yielding or collapsing under pressure.

tending to fail

Generalizes the idea to any form of failure, not just physical breakage.

at risk of collapse

Suggests a more significant and complete failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to break" to describe objects or systems that have a tendency to fail. For example, "The old bridge is "prone to break" due to corrosion".

What's a more formal alternative to "prone to break"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "susceptible to damage" or "vulnerable to breakage".

Is "prone to break" suitable for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "prone to break" may be considered less formal. Using alternatives like "inclined to fracture" or "likely to shatter" can enhance the academic tone.

What does "prone to break" imply?

"Prone to break" implies a higher than normal likelihood of something breaking or failing, often due to inherent weaknesses or external pressures.