prone to flooding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to flooding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe areas or locations that are likely to experience flooding, often due to geographical or environmental factors. Example: "The low-lying areas near the river are prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We build in places prone to flooding.

The New York Times

A children's farm has brought in some visitors, though it has been prone to flooding.

The Economist

Increasingly homes and industry have sprawled on to areas that have been prone to flooding.

The Economist

Maria Blair, an associate vice president at the foundation, said a major goal would be to help Asian cities like Mumbai and Bangkok that are prone to flooding.

The New York Times - Science

The village sits well above the Colorado River tributary of Havasu Creek, which runs through the main campground and has been prone to flooding.

The New York Times

These should be new reservoirs, with concrete run offs to them, constructed on the outer bends of rivers, placed upstream from all towns etc prone to flooding.

The Guardian

Concerns have been raised that the proposed new home of T in the Park could be prone to flooding.

BBC

Over the past two millennia, the Bakırçay flood plain was gradually aggraded and the site became prone to flooding.

Quaternary International

But, most camps are built on hillsides and Haiti is prone to flooding.

Huffington Post

That facility is in an area labeled especially dangerous and prone to flooding.

Vice

Years of unchecked development and sprawl made Houston more prone to flooding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing areas, use "prone to flooding" to clearly indicate a recurring risk, and follow up with specific causes or mitigation efforts. For instance, "The coastal region is prone to flooding due to rising sea levels; therefore, new seawalls are essential."

Common error

Avoid using "prone to flooding" generically. Provide context, such as the type of flooding (riverine, coastal, urban) and the conditions that trigger it (heavy rainfall, storm surge). For example, instead of saying "The area is prone to flooding", specify "The area is prone to flash flooding after heavy thunderstorms."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to flooding" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing a characteristic or condition of something. It indicates a tendency or susceptibility towards experiencing floods. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to flooding" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe areas susceptible to floods. As affirmed by Ludwig, it effectively communicates a risk and is used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "susceptible to flooding" and "vulnerable to flooding" exist, each brings a slightly different shade of meaning. For effective writing, be specific about the type and causes of flooding, avoiding generic overuse of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to flooding

Emphasizes vulnerability and the potential for negative impact.

vulnerable to flooding

Highlights the defencelessness against flooding events.

flood-vulnerable

Combines the concepts of flooding and vulnerability, underscoring the potential for harm.

flood-susceptible

Highlights a predisposition or sensitivity to flooding events.

at risk of flooding

Focuses on the probability and potential danger associated with flooding.

in danger of flooding

Stresses the presence of an immediate threat of flooding.

predisposed to flooding

Suggests an inherent tendency or characteristic that makes an area likely to flood.

liable to flood

Implies a legal or conditional responsibility related to flooding.

flood-threatened

Directly indicates an existing or imminent threat of flooding.

having a high flood risk

Quantifies the likelihood of flooding with an emphasis on the elevated level of risk.

FAQs

What does it mean for an area to be "prone to flooding"?

When an area is described as "prone to flooding", it means that it has a high likelihood of experiencing floods, often due to geographical, hydrological, or meteorological factors. This could be due to its location in a floodplain, inadequate drainage systems, or frequent heavy rainfall.

What are some alternatives to saying "prone to flooding"?

You can use alternatives like "susceptible to flooding", "vulnerable to flooding", or "at risk of flooding" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prone to flood" instead of "prone to flooding"?

While "prone to flood" might be understood, "prone to flooding" is the more grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. The gerund form "flooding" functions as a noun in this context, making the phrase more idiomatic.

How does being "prone to flooding" affect property values?

Properties in areas "prone to flooding" often experience decreased property values due to the increased risk of damage and the potential need for flood insurance. This can also affect the availability and cost of insurance.