prone to human error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to human error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is likely to produce mistakes due to its reliance on humans, such as manual data entry and other labor-intensive tasks. For example, "Since the data entry process is so labor-intensive, it is prone to human error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's just amazing how prone to human error they are," says Sheldrick.

The Guardian

No system could have been less efficient or more prone to human error.

The New Yorker

Intelligence officials insist that "technologically complex" surveillance activities will always be prone to human error.

The New York Times

While this seems to be a simple low-tech proposal to ensure safety, it is still prone to human error.

The New York Times

But then I got a gas grill, which can provide consistent heat, making the recipe less prone to human error.

The New York Times

These techniques are prone to human error and do not permit integration of remotely sensed data from diverse sources.

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation

In this test, the cytopathologists look for microscopic abnormalities in and around the cells, which is a time-consuming and prone to human error task.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Many research works have shown that network configuration is prone to human errors.

Princeton University

When computers are the actors, though, detection is faster and not prone to human errors or failings, making defection less likely.

The New Yorker

The first process is less capital intensive, but purely manual and labour intensive and prone to human errors.

Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition)

However, the mix design and production processes are more prone to human errors than those for ordinary concrete and are vital for structural conformity.

Procedia Manufacturing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or processes, clearly identify why human involvement makes them "prone to human error". Specify the tasks that are particularly vulnerable to mistakes, such as manual data entry or subjective judgment.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the likelihood of errors without evidence. While some processes are inherently "prone to human error", quantify the risk when possible and base it on data or historical performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to human error" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something has a high likelihood of containing mistakes because it depends on human action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to human error" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is likely to have mistakes due to human involvement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely used across various fields, particularly in science, news, and academia. When using the phrase, it's helpful to specify why a particular process is vulnerable. While useful, avoid overstating the risk without evidence. Remember there are alternatives like "susceptible to mistakes" or "liable to err" to add variety to your writing. Ultimately, recognizing and addressing the factors that make a process "prone to human error" is crucial for improving efficiency and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to mistakes

Highlights the vulnerability of a process or system to errors, similar to being "prone to human error".

liable to err

Emphasizes the potential for humans to make mistakes in a given context.

vulnerable to inaccuracies

Focuses on the potential for incorrect results or data due to human actions.

subject to human fallibility

Directly addresses the inherent limitations and potential for errors in human performance.

at risk of errors

Indicates that a particular process or task has a high chance of resulting in mistakes due to human involvement.

likely to contain errors

Specifies that something is expected to have mistakes because of human actions.

tending towards mistakes

Suggests that a process is naturally inclined to produce errors due to human factors.

human error is a significant risk

Positions human error as a prominent danger or hazard in a specific situation.

potentially flawed due to human involvement

Indicates that a system or process might have issues because people are part of it.

manually intensive and error-prone

Combines the aspect of manual labor with the resulting proneness to errors.

FAQs

How can I reduce instances where tasks are "prone to human error"?

You can minimize tasks "prone to human error" by automating repetitive processes, implementing double-checks, providing thorough training, and using technology to assist with complex calculations or data entry.

What are the alternatives to saying "prone to human error"?

You can use alternatives like "susceptible to mistakes", "liable to err", or "vulnerable to inaccuracies" depending on the context.

What makes a process "prone to human error"?

Processes are "prone to human error" when they rely heavily on manual tasks, require high levels of concentration over extended periods, involve repetitive actions, or depend on subjective judgment without clear guidelines.

Is it always negative to describe something as "prone to human error"?

Describing something as "prone to human error" is generally negative because it highlights a weakness or potential for mistakes. However, acknowledging this vulnerability can be a first step towards improving the process and mitigating risks.