prone to breaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to breaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is likely to break or be damaged easily. For example: "The old ceramic vase is very fragile and prone to breaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

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

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

The New York Times

"It will make the building envelope smaller," Ms. Zenk said, and make the barrier "less prone to breaking apart in a flood".

The New York Times

He wanted to savour this because he knew his body, so prone to breaking down, might never allow him another day like this again.

The Guardian - Sport

But it can take a lot of time and effort to maintain and is prone to breaking down under the accompanying strain.

The Economist

But the rules don't work, the technology is prone to breaking – causing explosions blamed on "terrorists", a tag also applied to those who bend or break the rules, such the freelance plumber played by Robert de Niro.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The machines are slow, testy and prone to breaking usually at the worst possible moment.

The Economist

defer.add img); Vinyl gloves are inexpensive and have heightened sensitivity, but are prone to breaking[1].

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the physical properties of objects, use "prone to breaking" to clearly indicate a tendency to break or be damaged easily under stress or pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to breaking" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more nuanced term might be appropriate. Stick to situations where physical breakage or damage is the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to breaking" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a susceptibility or tendency to break easily. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used to highlight a material or object's fragility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prone to breaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a susceptibility or tendency to break easily. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usefulness in written English. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While versatile, it is best used to describe physical properties and potential vulnerabilities of objects. Alternatives like "liable to break" or "easily damaged" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in abstract contexts and ensure clarity in describing physical breakage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to break

Emphasizes a legal or factual exposure to the possibility of breaking.

vulnerable to breakage

Highlights a weakness that makes something easily broken.

apt to shatter

Specifically suggests a tendency to break suddenly and violently into pieces.

tends to crack

Indicates a habitual or usual occurrence of developing cracks.

inclined to fracture

Implies a predisposition to develop cracks or breaks.

at risk of snapping

Suggests an imminent and sudden break, often due to tension or pressure.

easily fragmented

Focuses on the ease with which something can be broken into smaller pieces.

susceptible to damage

Broader term indicating vulnerability to any form of harm, not just breaking.

predisposed to failure

More general term that encompasses various types of failures, including breaking.

weak and fragile

Describes the inherent characteristics that make something likely to break.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to breaking" to describe objects or materials that are easily damaged. For example: "Glassware is particularly "prone to breaking" if not handled carefully."

What are some alternatives to "prone to breaking"?

Alternatives include "liable to break", "easily damaged", and "fragile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "susceptible to breaking" instead of "prone to breaking"?

Yes, "susceptible to breaking" is a valid alternative. While both phrases are similar, "susceptible" often implies a vulnerability or weakness that makes something more likely to break under certain conditions.

What's the difference between "prone to breaking" and "prone to damage"?

"Prone to breaking" specifically refers to the likelihood of something shattering or fracturing. "Prone to damage" is broader, encompassing any form of harm, including scratches, dents, or malfunctions, not just breaking. Therefore, use "prone to damage" if you want to indicate the item is likely to suffer from damages different than breaking.