prone to madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to madness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is likely to experience mental instability or irrational behavior. Example: "The character in the novel was prone to madness, often losing touch with reality during stressful situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hamilton: Moreover, our future physiognomists will surely improve at identifying those prone to madness, and they will be cured by our finest physicians with advances in leeches.

The New Yorker

People are prone to madness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Keynes the sceptic, who understood that markets are as prone to fits of madness as any other human institution and who tried to envisage a more intelligent variety of capitalism.

BBC

The Standard Liège goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima is prone to the odd moment of madness but will likely edge out Shusaku Nishikawa of Urawa Reds.

The Guardian - Sport

Black people are prone to heart conditions, and also worry about madness – the rates of schizophrenia are far higher in the black population.

The Guardian

Berkoff is currently on stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in An Actor's Lament about 'the bizarre lives of actors and the many frustrations, complexes and madness they are at times prone to'.

BBC

Prone to self-destruct.

The New York Times - Books

He was prone to hallucinations.

The New York Times - Sports

They're prone to violence.

The New York Times

(Las Vegas is prone to earthquakes).

The New York Times

Prone to sudden unpredictable failure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or situation as "prone to madness", provide specific examples of behaviors or circumstances that support this claim. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using the phrase "prone to madness" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Overuse can make the description seem superficial or clichéd. Instead, focus on showing the character's instability through their actions and thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to madness" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a susceptibility or predisposition towards mental instability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing a state of vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to madness" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe someone or something with a tendency towards mental instability, according to Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it appears in reputable news and media sources and can add a touch of drama or literary flair to your writing. Remember to provide specific examples to support your claims. Consider alternatives like "susceptible to insanity" or "inclined towards derangement" for a more formal tone. The phrase's adjectival function allows it to effectively modify nouns, conveying the potential for irrational behavior. Be mindful of context and avoid overuse to maintain credibility and avoid cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to insanity

Replaces "prone to" with "susceptible to", emphasizing a heightened vulnerability to mental derangement.

inclined towards derangement

Substitutes "prone to madness" with a phrase that highlights a tendency or leaning towards mental instability.

vulnerable to mental breakdown

Focuses on the potential for a mental health crisis, replacing "madness" with "mental breakdown".

at risk of losing sanity

Emphasizes the danger of losing one's mental faculties.

predisposed to mental instability

Highlights a pre-existing condition or tendency toward erratic mental states.

liable to become mentally unbalanced

Indicates a responsibility or likelihood of developing a mental imbalance.

apt to descend into lunacy

Uses "lunacy" as a synonym for madness, implying a decline into irrationality.

tending toward irrationality

Shifts the focus to the tendency towards irrational behavior.

with a disposition for mental illness

Emphasizes the presence of a pre-existing disposition toward mental health issues.

having a weakness for mental disturbances

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to mental disturbances.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to madness" to describe someone or something that is likely to experience mental instability. For example, "The character in the novel was "prone to madness", often losing touch with reality during stressful situations."

What are some alternatives to "prone to madness"?

Alternatives include "susceptible to insanity", "inclined towards derangement", or "vulnerable to mental breakdown", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prone to madness" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "prone to madness" may sound somewhat dramatic or literary. In formal writing, consider using more clinical or precise language, such as "susceptible to mental instability" or "predisposed to psychological disturbances", if appropriate.

What's the difference between "prone to madness" and "suffering from madness"?

"Prone to madness" suggests a tendency or predisposition to mental instability, while "suffering from madness" indicates an existing state of mental illness. The former describes a potential, while the latter describes a current condition.