prone to hyperbole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to hyperbole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that tends to exaggerate or overstate facts or feelings. Example: "His storytelling is often entertaining, but he is definitely prone to hyperbole, making his adventures sound more thrilling than they actually were."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Carr is not prone to hyperbole.

The New York Times - Sports

Her fans are equally prone to hyperbole.

The Guardian

Yes, he is prone to hyperbole.

The New Yorker

THE chief executives of technology companies are prone to hyperbole.

The Economist

Mr. Rehn, an unflappable Finn who is rarely prone to hyperbole, was not exaggerating.

The New York Times

The National Audit Office is not an organisation prone to hyperbole.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Obreht's imagination is seductively extravagant and prone to folkloric hyperbole, and this makes parts of the novel read like a picaresque romp through some enchanted Balkan kingdom, rife with magic, murder and mayhem.

The Guardian - Books

Where many of YouTube's most popular video essays are prone to preachy hyperbole – their guiding principle being "thou shalt not take David Fincher's name in vain" – most of the videos on [in]Transition seem content simply to ask questions and probe received wisdoms.

The Guardian - Film

Gary is prone to occasional hyperbole, and I'm convinced that he'd at least try to help someone out who was self-harming.

Vice

Mr. Morrison can be a spirited writer, but he is also prone to overstatement and hyperbole.

The New York Times - Books

While prone to flights of hyperbole – at one point he compares himself to Da Vinci and Picasso, and he occasionally refers to himself in the third person – he always manages to laugh at his own preposterousness.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "prone to hyperbole", provide specific examples to support your claim. This adds credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid labeling statements as hyperbole without considering the context and intent. What might seem like exaggeration could be a genuine expression of strong emotion or a rhetorical device used for emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to hyperbole" functions as an adjectival phrase that describes a characteristic or tendency of a person, group, or entity. It modifies a noun (often implied), indicating that the subject is inclined towards using exaggeration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes people's behavior or writing styles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to hyperbole" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who tends to exaggerate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in news and media to characterize individuals or entities known for their exaggerated statements. While it's important to use the phrase accurately, providing supporting evidence helps avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "inclined to exaggerate" or "tending to overstate" offer similar meanings, but may vary in nuance. Remember that overuse of hyperbole, while engaging, can undermine credibility if not used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to exaggerate

Focuses on the action of exaggerating rather than the general tendency.

tending to overstate

Highlights the tendency to present something as more significant than it is.

given to exaggeration

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the characteristic of being 'given' to this behavior.

liable to exaggerate

Implies a possibility or risk of exaggerating, rather than a definite tendency.

apt to exaggerate

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination to exaggerate.

tends toward hyperbole

Shifts the focus to the general direction of using hyperbole.

uses exaggeration frequently

Emphasizes the frequency with which exaggeration is used.

has a flair for the dramatic

Suggests a talent or inclination for dramatic expression, which can involve hyperbole.

over-the-top in expression

Describes the manner of expression as excessive or exaggerated.

exaggerates things often

A simpler, more direct way of saying someone frequently exaggerates.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "prone to hyperbole"?

To be "prone to hyperbole" means someone has a tendency to exaggerate or overstate things. They might use dramatic language to emphasize a point, sometimes to the point where it's not entirely factual.

How can I identify if someone is "prone to hyperbole"?

Look for patterns of exaggeration in their speech or writing. Do they frequently use extreme adjectives or make claims that seem unrealistic? Consider the context, as some situations naturally lend themselves to more expressive language.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "prone to hyperbole"?

You can use alternatives like "inclined to exaggerate", "tending to overstate", or "given to exaggeration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is being "prone to hyperbole" a negative trait?

It depends on the context. While hyperbole can make stories more engaging, overuse can erode trust if it distorts the truth. It is important to discern if "exaggerates things often" unintentionally or is "over-the-top in expression" in order to deceive or mislead others.