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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
prone to fluctuation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "prone to fluctuation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is likely to change or vary frequently, such as prices, moods, or conditions. Example: "The stock market is often prone to fluctuation, making it a risky investment."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Mental Health
Plant biology
Health services research
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
The Behavioural Activation System (BAS) dysregulation theory proposes that AM levels in individuals with Bipolar Disorder, are hyper-reactive to relevant cues and prone to fluctuation such that excessive levels underpin hypomania/mania.
For the former two genes, this might be caused by the generally lower expression level making fold changes prone to fluctuation.
Science
Total leukocyte concentration in mammals is likely to vary over shorter timescales than IgG concentration, and to be more prone to fluctuation, as leukocytes are less cumulative in the blood than antibodies [ 58].
Science
Household consumption is a preferred measure because it is less prone to fluctuation and is easier to collect in household surveys with less likelihood of being underreported when compared to income [ 30].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
We tend to think of innocence as a moral absolute, but it operates most often as a kind of currency, and like all currencies its value is prone to fluctuations.
News & Media
Opponents warn against over-reliance on a volatile resource, prone to fluctuations in revenue.
News & Media
While currency rates are volatile and prone to fluctuations, they have also been shown to be deterministically chaotic [8, 9].
Given that Dim1 took all parameters into account, it should be more reliable and less prone to fluctuations as compared to any one parameter including the firing rate.
Science
As a consequence, the item-based algorithms are more prone to fluctuations in the time required to rebuild S. Time with the use of fading factors in incremental algorithms seems to be unaffected with ELEARN and MUSIC, but using a longer dataset, it becomes more evident that fading factors also have the potential to improve scalability.
On the other hand, those pooled datasets are less prone to fluctuations.
Science
The combined effects of these two factors make existing assays semiquantitative at best and prone to fluctuations and false readouts, especially when adapted to genome-scale analysis.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing market conditions or financial data, use "prone to fluctuation" to indicate potential instability and risk. This highlights the importance of careful monitoring and strategic planning.
Common error
Avoid using "prone to fluctuation" excessively in highly technical or scientific writing where precise statistical terms like "variable" or "unstable" may be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that aligns with the required level of specificity.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "prone to fluctuation" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a tendency or susceptibility to change or vary. Ludwig AI shows how it commonly appears in scientific contexts, describing phenomena that are not stable.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
37%
Formal & Business
13%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "prone to fluctuation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a tendency toward unpredictable change. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it's most common in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "susceptible to variation" exist, "prone to fluctuation" clearly conveys an inherent likelihood of instability. When writing, remember that while the phrase is acceptable and understood, be aware of the audience, and make sure the phrase fits the context. Avoid overuse in more technical writing contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inclined to fluctuate
Mirrors the original phrase closely but uses 'inclined' instead of 'prone', offering a slight change in tone.
susceptible to variation
Focuses on the vulnerability or openness to change rather than the inherent tendency.
liable to vary
Highlights the probability of change, similar to 'prone' but with a slightly more formal tone.
predisposed to variation
Suggests an inherent or built-in tendency towards change.
subject to instability
Emphasizes the lack of stability as the primary characteristic, suggesting a higher degree of unpredictability.
given to volatility
Indicates a characteristic pattern of sudden and large changes.
tending to instability
Highlights the tendency towards instability, focusing on the directional aspect of change.
vulnerable to shifts
Highlights vulnerability to changes or movements, often implying external forces.
easily destabilized
Focuses on the ease with which something can lose stability, implying a sensitive nature.
sensitive to changes
Highlights the sensitivity and responsiveness to alterations, whether internal or external.
FAQs
How can I use "prone to fluctuation" in a sentence?
You can use "prone to fluctuation" to describe something that is likely to change or vary frequently. For example, "The stock market is often "prone to fluctuation", making it a risky investment."
What are some alternatives to "prone to fluctuation"?
Alternatives include "susceptible to variation", "liable to vary", or "inclined to fluctuate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "prone to fluctuation"?
Yes, "prone to fluctuation" is grammatically correct. The word "prone" is an adjective that means likely to or liable to suffer from, experience, or do something, typically something unwelcome or harmful. The preposition "to" connects it to the noun "fluctuation".
What's the difference between "prone to fluctuation" and "subject to fluctuation"?
"Prone to fluctuation" implies an inherent tendency or likelihood of varying, while "subject to fluctuation" suggests being exposed to external factors that cause variation. The former indicates an internal characteristic, and the latter emphasizes external influence.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested