prone to confusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to confusion" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is easily confused or prone to making mistakes. Example: "She was prone to confusion when it came to solving complicated math problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Simple models can be used like verbal arguments by experts, but they are less prone to confusion and mistakes.

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

Others, including the regional development minister, Karla Slechtova, think it is too close to "Chechnya", making it prone to confusion.

The Guardian

And yet data-free politics is even more prone to confusion than politics rooted in flawed polling.

The Guardian - Opinion

They suited up, but now they're slow, groggy and sluggish, running the wrong routes, more prone to confusion and injury.

The Washington Post

He was a poor, indecisive leader, prone to confusion, who never discerned that he had discovered a new continent, even though evidence abounded.

The Washington Post

If our romantic choices are so prone to confusion and whim, the opera argues, then succumbing to someone else's vanquishing allure becomes the easier course.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

THE STAFF Welcoming and attentive, though prone to occasional confusion.

The New York Times

German business people seem particularly prone to this confusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Syria is especially prone to such confusion, given the number of players.

The New Yorker

For whatever reason — and probably not merely because in the twenty-eight years since his bar mitzvah he has consumed immeasurable quantities of pork and shellfish — his diction, body language, and general affinities make him come across like a bit player in "GoodFellas," so much so that he's occasionally prone to identity confusion.

The New Yorker

Poincaré argues that (metric) geometry is the hypothesis most prone to such confusion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or processes, avoid jargon and use clear, concise language to minimize the likelihood of them being “prone to confusion”.

Common error

While "prone to confusion" is acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "the instructions are prone to confusion", specify what makes them confusing: "the instructions lack clarity regarding specific steps".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to confusion" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its susceptibility to causing or experiencing confusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prone to confusion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe something or someone with a high likelihood of experiencing or causing misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, consider whether a more precise or descriptive alternative might better suit your writing, especially in formal contexts. However, "prone to confusion" remains a useful and readily understood expression for indicating susceptibility to errors and lack of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to misunderstanding

Highlights the vulnerability to incorrect interpretation, rather than a general state of confusion.

vulnerable to misinterpretation

Similar to susceptible, but with a stronger implication of potential negative consequences.

liable to be misunderstood

Focuses on the potential for others to misinterpret, shifting the emphasis slightly.

at risk of misapprehension

Highlights the potential for a failure to fully understand something.

tending towards ambiguity

Highlights the inherent lack of clarity that can cause confusion.

easily disoriented

Emphasizes a loss of direction or clarity, often in a physical or cognitive sense.

open to misconstruction

Emphasizes that something can be constructed (or interpreted) incorrectly.

subject to misjudgment

Suggests that a decision or assessment is likely to be flawed due to confusion.

inclined to err

Focuses on the tendency to make mistakes, which can lead to confusion.

predisposed to uncertainty

Highlights an existing condition that increases the likelihood of confusion arising from uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to confusion" to describe anything that is easily misunderstood or causes mistakes. For example, "The instructions were "prone to confusion" because they were poorly written."

What are some alternatives to "prone to confusion"?

Alternatives to "prone to confusion" include "susceptible to misunderstanding", "liable to be misunderstood", or "easily disoriented" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prone to confusion" or "subject to confusion"?

Both "prone to confusion" and "subject to confusion" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "Prone" suggests a natural tendency, while "subject" implies an external influence.

What does it mean when something is described as "prone to confusion"?

When something is described as "prone to confusion", it means that it has a high likelihood of causing misunderstanding, errors, or a lack of clarity. It suggests that the subject is easily mixed up, muddled, or misinterpreted.