prone to losing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to losing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is likely to experience loss or failure in a particular context. Example: "The team has been prone to losing matches due to their lack of coordination on the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I'm not prone to losing control".

The New York Times

We are especially prone to losing control of our subjects when we speak.

The New York Times

They can be found, you're so clumsy, so prone to losing things.

The Guardian - Books

A wonderful and beautiful person, but prone to losing things; keys, money, credit cards, mobile phones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

West Indian cricket is particularly prone to losing its players to the riches offered by Indian clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

If people it has recommended to other companies have been disproportionately prone to losing their jobs, avoid it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Unfortunately the balloon latex was prone to lose its elasticity, causing the treads to fall off.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfortunately, many algorithms are computational intensive and prone to lose convergence due to their sensitiveness to different channel configurations.

Applied Acoustics

Like any set of lads with a taste for the booze, they were also prone to lost months.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, malted barley is delicate and prone to lose its flavor in new oak, which is why Scottish distillers prefer barrels that once held sherry, port or bourbon.

The New York Times - Food

One of the dead Watch heroes is the stolid Reg Shoe - who will reappear as a conscripted zombie, greenish, smelly and prone to lose body-parts, in the multispecies Watch of the fictive present.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, consider using "prone to losing" to illustrate a specific weakness or flaw, as it adds depth to their personality.

Common error

While "prone to losing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal documents where more sophisticated language might be expected. For instance, consider alternatives like "susceptible to" or "vulnerable to" in business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to losing" functions as an adjectival phrase that describes a tendency or likelihood toward experiencing loss. It is typically used to qualify a noun, indicating that the subject is susceptible to losing something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to losing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a tendency or likelihood toward experiencing loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is applicable in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. It's essential to be aware of potential overuse in highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "susceptible to losing" or "likely to misplace" may be considered depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to use "prone to losing" when you want to express the idea that something or someone has a high chance of experiencing loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tends to lose

Highlights a habitual or regular pattern of losing.

susceptible to losing

Emphasizes vulnerability and a higher chance of experiencing loss.

inclined to lose

Suggests a natural predisposition or leaning towards losing.

apt to lose

Suggests a natural tendency, similar to "inclined to lose".

likely to misplace

Focuses specifically on the tendency to misplace items.

predisposed to losing

Implies a built-in or inherent tendency towards losing.

vulnerable to losing

Emphasizes a weakness that makes losing more probable.

has a habit of losing

Directly states that losing is a recurring behavior.

at risk of losing

Highlights the possibility of loss and can indicate a dangerous situation.

liable to lose

Implies a legal or contractual responsibility for a potential loss.

FAQs

What does "prone to losing" mean?

"Prone to losing" means having a tendency or likelihood to experience loss, whether it's physical items, games, opportunities, or other things. It suggests a disposition towards losing.

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

You can use "prone to losing" to describe someone or something that frequently experiences loss. For example: "Children are often "prone to losing" their toys." or "The team is "prone to losing" concentration in the final minutes of a game."

What are some alternatives to "prone to losing"?

Alternatives include "likely to misplace", "susceptible to losing", "tends to lose", or "inclined to lose". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "prone to lose" instead of "prone to losing"?

While "prone to lose" might be understood, "prone to losing" is the grammatically standard and more common form. "Prone" functions as an adjective, and it's followed by a gerund (losing) which acts as a noun.