prone to fracture

USAGE SUMMARY

"prone to fracture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something, such as a material or object, that is particularly susceptible to breaking or fracturing. For example, "Glass is particularly prone to fracture when exposed to extreme temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the process of cleaning, the denture may be prone to fracture or distortion if mishandled.

Nature

A glassy residue of smelting, slag can make rivets brittle and prone to fracture.

The New York Times - Science

Statistically speaking, there is not enough data to be sure that Fidelis is unusually prone to fracture.

The New York Times

Stone and clay tablets were initially used, but they are prone to fracture and heavy to transport.

The Guardian - Tech

The disease means some of these struts become thin or break, making the bone more prone to fracture.

The Guardian

This may, however, weaken the C1 arch, making it prone to fracture.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

During adolescence, boys grow longer and thicker bones than girls, making their skeletons more robust and less prone to fractures.

The New York Times - Health

It is a well-established fact that as we grow older our bones become more brittle and prone to fracturing.

University of California, Berkeley

Regular exercise makes a big difference; it keeps bones strong and older people who keep exercising fall over less and are less prone to fractures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although women are more prone to fractures, the mortality rate associated with fractures is higher in men.

Joint Bone Spine

In recent years, the safety of defibrillator wires has come in particular focus because a model made by Medtronic has been prone to fracturing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials or conditions, use "prone to fracture" to clearly indicate a susceptibility to breaking under stress. For example, "Osteoporotic bones are particularly prone to fracture."

Common error

Avoid attributing all fractures solely to the inherent weakness described by "prone to fracture". External factors like trauma or misuse often contribute significantly, even when an object or body part is inherently weaker.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to fracture" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is likely to break or fracture. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to fracture" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a susceptibility to breaking. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts including science, news, and business. The phrase functions as an adjective modifying a noun, with synonyms including "vulnerable to fracture" and "susceptible to fracture". When using this phrase, consider the context and the potential causes of the fracture, as inherent weakness isn't always the sole factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable to fracture

Replaces "prone" with "vulnerable", emphasizing a state of being easily harmed or damaged.

susceptible to fracture

Substitutes "prone" with "susceptible", highlighting a predisposition or tendency to be affected by a fracture.

liable to fracture

Uses "liable" instead of "prone", suggesting a higher probability or legal responsibility for fracturing.

likely to fracture

Replaces "prone" with "likely", indicating a high chance of a fracture occurring.

has a tendency to fracture

Rephrases "prone to fracture" to explicitly state a "tendency", adding a slightly more descriptive tone.

easily fractured

Focuses on the ease with which something can be fractured, rather than its inherent predisposition.

at risk of fracture

Shifts the focus to the risk associated with fracture, highlighting potential danger or vulnerability.

predisposed to fracture

Implies a pre-existing condition or inherent weakness that makes something more likely to fracture.

weak and fracture-able

Combines the idea of weakness with the ability to be fractured, explicitly stating the vulnerability.

with a high fracture potential

Emphasizes the potential for fracture, focusing on the inherent capacity for breaking.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "prone to fracture"?

It means that the object or material in question has a high likelihood of breaking or fracturing under stress or impact due to inherent weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

What are some synonyms for "prone to fracture"?

Alternatives include "vulnerable to fracture", "susceptible to fracture", "likely to fracture", or "easily fractured".

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

You can use it to describe materials or body parts. For example, "Due to its composition, this type of plastic is particularly "prone to fracture" under pressure", or "Individuals with osteoporosis are more "prone to fracture" due to weakened bones".

Is it more correct to say "prone to fracture" or "prone to fracturing"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "prone to fracture" is more common. "Prone to fracturing" is also acceptable, particularly when emphasizing the process of fracturing, but "prone to fracture" is generally preferred for its simplicity and wider usage.