prone to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to doing" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something as having a tendency to do something. For example, "I'm prone to making silly mistakes when I'm rushed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We have a few similarities: I am prone to doing wacky, off-the-cuff things.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you are contemplating moving house and are prone to doing so frequently, be sure it's really necessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Certainly I wouldn't advocate playing spot the difference on the roads of Britain, as many of the more excitable car writers are prone to doing.

Independent

Shorten has broken out all of Labor's lines and formulations on the budget at his press conference, as he is prone to doing.

The Guardian

Have the feminazis got to you too?" Of course feminnazis like me are prone to doing a bit of jumping up and down at moments like these.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Granada manager blamed himself … in that slightly pleading tell-me-I'm-good-really way that he is sometimes prone to doing and which is wearing a little thin.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Russians are more prone to do so.

The New Yorker

Off I went in a huff, as I was prone to do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While she is "splintering into bits", the world, as it is prone to do, rolls on.

The Guardian - Books

The personalities that are prone to do excessive things are emboldened by the conduct of others".

The New York Times

"And prone to do almost anything - he was skittish like a hyperactive kid.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prone to doing" when you want to emphasize a recurring tendency, especially when the outcome is less desirable. For example, "He's prone to overthinking things before making a decision."

Common error

Avoid using "prone to doing" in situations where you want to highlight skill or deliberate behavior, as it often implies a vulnerability or unwanted inclination. Instead, use "skilled at doing" or "deliberately doing".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prone to doing" is to act as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the subject as having a tendency or inclination towards a particular action. Ludwig examples show its use in describing people's behaviors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to doing" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to describe a tendency or inclination towards a particular action, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While it is widely accepted, it's essential to be mindful of its connotation and avoid using it when describing skills or deliberate actions. Alternatives like "inclined to do" or "apt to do" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to use "prone to doing" when you want to emphasize a recurring tendency, especially when the outcome is less desirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to do

Focuses more on a mental leaning or preference rather than an inherent tendency.

apt to do

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency, often implying a predictable outcome.

likely to do

Emphasizes probability and expectation, making it suitable when predicting future actions.

tending to do

Highlights an ongoing pattern or habit.

liable to do

Implies a risk or potential negative consequence associated with the action.

disposed to do

Suggests a natural inclination or readiness to act in a certain way.

given to doing

Emphasizes a habitual or characteristic behavior.

susceptible to doing

Highlights vulnerability or openness to being influenced or affected by the action.

in the habit of doing

Focuses specifically on established routines and behaviors.

with a tendency to do

A more descriptive and less direct way of indicating a predisposition.

FAQs

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

Use "prone to doing" to indicate a tendency or susceptibility towards a particular action or behavior, especially when the action is undesirable. For example, "During the winter months, I'm "prone to feeling" down."

What are some alternatives to "prone to doing"?

You can use alternatives like "inclined to do", "apt to do", or "likely to do" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prone to do" instead of "prone to doing"?

While "prone to do" might be understood, "prone to doing" is the grammatically standard and more commonly used construction. The "to" in "prone to" functions as a preposition, which is typically followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).

What's the difference between "prone to doing" and "susceptible to doing"?

"Prone to doing" generally refers to a tendency towards a behavior, while "susceptible to doing" emphasizes vulnerability or openness to being influenced to perform that action. "Prone" indicates a natural inclination, while "susceptible" suggests external influence.