prone to equivocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to equivocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is likely to be ambiguous or evasive in their statements or arguments. Example: "The politician was often prone to equivocation, making it difficult for voters to understand his true stance on issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Glick is not prone to equivocation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Prone to self-destruct.

The New York Times - Books

He was prone to hallucinations.

The New York Times - Sports

They're prone to violence.

The New York Times

(Las Vegas is prone to earthquakes).

The New York Times

He was prone to gaffes.

The Economist

He is prone to gaffes.

The Economist

Americans are prone to excess.

The New York Times

Monocultures are prone to disease.

The Economist

People are prone to madness.

The New Yorker

Prone to sudden unpredictable failure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prone to equivocation" when you want to describe someone or something as having a tendency to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in their language or actions, often to avoid commitment or deception.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to equivocation" simply as a synonym for 'dishonest'. Equivocation involves a deliberate ambiguity, not necessarily a direct lie. Ensure the context reflects this careful hedging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to equivocation" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often a person or entity) to indicate a tendency or inclination towards using ambiguous or evasive language. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to equivocation" is a grammatically correct way to describe someone who tends to be deliberately ambiguous or evasive in their statements, as supported by Ludwig. While not very common, it accurately conveys a tendency to avoid directness or clarity, often with the intent of avoiding commitment or deception. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context aligns with the intended meaning of deliberate ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is typically found in neutral contexts such as news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to be evasive

Replaces "prone" with "inclined" and "equivocation" with "evasive", focusing on the tendency to avoid direct answers.

tending to be ambiguous

Substitutes "prone" with "tending" and "equivocation" with "ambiguous", highlighting a leaning towards unclear or vague statements.

apt to hedge one's bets

Replaces the entire phrase with an idiomatic expression suggesting a cautious avoidance of commitment.

likely to prevaricate

Uses "likely" instead of "prone" and "prevaricate" as a more formal synonym for avoiding the truth.

given to ambiguity

Emphasizes a predisposition towards unclear or multifaceted communication.

disposed to vague language

Focuses on the tendency to use language that lacks precision or clarity.

inclined to skirt the issue

Highlights a tendency to avoid directly addressing a particular subject or question.

tending to sidestep the question

Suggests a habitual pattern of avoiding direct answers or responses.

liable to use evasive tactics

Emphasizes the likelihood of employing strategies to avoid directness or clarity.

susceptible to being noncommittal

Focuses on a vulnerability or openness to avoiding firm commitments or definite statements.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to equivocation" to describe someone who tends to be ambiguous or unclear in their statements. For example: "The politician was "prone to equivocation", often avoiding direct answers to difficult questions."

What are some alternatives to "prone to equivocation"?

Alternatives include "inclined to be evasive", "tending to be ambiguous", or "apt to hedge one's bets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "prone to equivocation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and understandable. The phrase accurately describes someone who has a tendency to equivocate.

What's the difference between "prone to equivocation" and "dishonest"?

"Prone to equivocation" implies a tendency to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear, while "dishonest" suggests a direct intent to deceive. Someone "prone to equivocation" might avoid answering directly, whereas a dishonest person might provide false information.