prone to developing

USAGE SUMMARY

"prone to developing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is likely to experience a certain event, emotion, or condition. For example, "Due to their genetic predisposition, children of smokers are prone to developing breathing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was prone to developing scratches.

The New York Times

Smokers and heavy drinkers are more prone to developing it.

The Guardian

The rat is of a pain-sensitive variety, one prone to developing neuropathic pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Smokers and heavy drinkers are also more prone to developing it.

The Guardian

In rats prone to developing breast cancer, there was no acceleration of breast cancer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Q. Are the coronary arteries more prone to developing blockages than arteries elsewhere in the body?

Harvard University

But are people with depression or anxiety more prone to developing cardiovascular disease?

Harvard University

Japan says older animals are more prone to developing mad cow disease.

The New York Times

This was particularly true for Ritzenhein, who was prone to developing stress fractures in the metatarsal bones of his feet.

The New Yorker

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are prone to developing duodenal adenoma and cancer.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Influenza is an especially dangerous disease in the elderly, who are prone to developing life-threatening complications.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prone to developing", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the condition or outcome being developed is specified. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to developing" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Overgeneralizing can weaken the impact of your statement and make it less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to developing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the subject as having a higher-than-average chance of experiencing a particular condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to developing" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a susceptibility or increased likelihood of experiencing something, often negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is widely used across various contexts, especially in science, news media, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject and the condition being developed are clearly defined. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "prone to developing" to convey important information about risks and vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to develop

Uses "likely" instead of "prone", indicating a higher probability.

susceptible to developing

Emphasizes vulnerability or sensitivity to developing something.

at risk of developing

Highlights the potential danger or negative consequence of developing something.

predisposed to developing

Implies a genetic or inherent tendency towards developing something.

inclined to develop

Suggests a natural or behavioral tendency towards developing something.

tends to develop

Indicates a habitual or frequent occurrence of developing something.

vulnerable to developing

Highlights a weakness or lack of protection against developing something.

apt to develop

Suggests a natural suitability or readiness to develop something.

subject to developing

Implies being under the influence or control of factors that lead to developing something.

has a tendency to develop

Expresses a general inclination or predisposition to develop something.

FAQs

How to use "prone to developing" in a sentence?

You can use "prone to developing" to indicate a higher likelihood of experiencing a condition or outcome. For example, "Smokers are "prone to developing" lung cancer".

What can I say instead of "prone to developing"?

You can use alternatives like "likely to develop", "susceptible to developing", or "at risk of developing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prone to developing" or "prone to develop"?

"Prone to developing" is generally preferred as it uses the gerund form, which is common after prepositions. While "prone to develop" might be understood, it is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "prone to developing" and "inclined to develop"?

"Prone to developing" suggests a susceptibility, often negative, while "inclined to develop" implies a natural tendency or preference, which may not necessarily be negative.