prone to breakage

USAGE SUMMARY

'prone to breakage' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe something that is more likely than most to break or be damaged. For example: "These mugs are made with fragile material, so they are prone to breakage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the fact that thinner condoms reportedly are more prone to breakage, Alatech has offered to convert to them, Povlacs said.

The Guardian

"Kinky hair that is not stretched is more prone to breakage along the spirals of the hair shaft," said Ms. Melton, who is 28.

The New York Times

In wet ARMD new blood vessels form beneath the retina that are very fragile and prone to breakage and bleeding, thereby compromising central vision acuity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

High density polyethylene (HDPE) has replaced glass for milk bottles because it is much tougher and lighter than glass, which radically cuts the energy costs of transportation, while also being less prone to breakage.

The Guardian

The alternative is trying to figure out whether Barack Obama's promise to wean us from Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil in 10 years is more prone to breakage than McCain's vow to build 45 nuclear power plants by 2030.

The New York Times

The chemical had become concentrated in the peregrine's tissues and interfered with the deposition of calcium in the eggshells, causing them to be abnormally thin and prone to breakage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, both fixed and removable retainers are prone to breakage, loss, and degradation [2, 11].

Progress in Orthodontics

Secondly, crystals become prone to breakage only when their aspect ratio exceeds a certain limit.

Chemical Engineering Science

Since Basmati grains are extra-long and slender in appearance, they are prone to breakage during machine harvesting.

Rice

Kernels with chalky have a lower density of starch granules than do vitreous ones and are more prone to breakage during milling.

Rice

This includes the implementation of preventative exercise programs and changes in equipment, such as lighter helmets and titanium alloys being used in the shafts of lacrosse sticks to reduce their mass and make them less prone to breakage.

Injury Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials or objects, use "prone to breakage" to clearly indicate a higher-than-average likelihood of breaking under normal conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to breakage" in highly technical or scientific documents where more precise terms like "low tensile strength" or "high failure rate" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to breakage" functions as an adjectival phrase describing a characteristic or quality of an object or material. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a higher likelihood of breaking. Examples include describing fragile items or materials with structural weaknesses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to breakage" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe items or materials that are likely to break easily. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's prevalent in various contexts, including science, news media, and general informational content. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise, technical language in highly specialized fields. Alternatives such as "susceptible to breakage" or "easily broken" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, highlight its wide acceptance and understanding. When writing, keep the audience in mind and balance clarity with technical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to breakage

Replaces "prone" with "susceptible", emphasizing vulnerability.

liable to breakage

Substitutes "prone" with "liable", suggesting a legal or probable risk of breaking.

vulnerable to breakage

Emphasizes the weakness or defenselessness against breaking.

easily broken

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the ease with which something can break.

fragile and likely to break

Expands the phrase to include "fragile" for added emphasis and clarity.

tending to break easily

Highlights the tendency and ease of breaking.

at risk of breaking

Focuses on the risk aspect of potential breakage.

breakable

Uses a single adjective to describe the susceptibility to breaking.

delicate and easily damaged

Adds the element of "damage" in addition to breaking, broadening the scope.

weak and susceptible to fracture

Replaces "breakage" with "fracture", suitable for contexts involving materials or bones.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to breakage" to describe objects or materials that are likely to break easily. For example, "These glass ornaments are very delicate and "prone to breakage"."

What are some alternatives to "prone to breakage"?

Some alternatives include "susceptible to breakage", "liable to breakage", or "easily broken". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "breakage-prone" instead of "prone to breakage"?

While "breakage-prone" is understandable, ""prone to breakage"" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Breakage-prone" may sound slightly less formal.

What makes something "prone to breakage"?

Something is ""prone to breakage"" if it has inherent weaknesses in its material composition, design, or manufacturing that make it more likely to break under stress or normal use.