prone to mischief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to mischief" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is inclined or likely to do something bad or mischievous. For example, you could say, "The boy next door was always a bit of a mischief-maker, prone to mischief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The spectacle has been a delicious one for the peanut gallery in the Hollywood Hills, in part because it keeps the involved parties preoccupied and less prone to mischief elsewhere.

The New York Times

So will some parents with teenage drivers who are prone to mischief or expensive speeding tickets.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Members of the canvassing board said tonight that the experience taught them that hand recounts are more accurate than machine recounts, even as Republican lawyers and politicians continued to argue that human beings are more prone to mistake and mischief.

The New York Times

So, no, macronutrient threshold is not a reliable indicator of diet quality; is largely uninformative; and is prone to all manner of mischief, manipulation, and misdirection.

Vice

But back in 2008, Clinton's own supporters were just as resentful and prone to conspiracies, even without Russian mischief-making.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is music prone to dawdle and emote, but Mr. Ax kept it out of mischief.

The New York Times - Arts

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

People are prone to madness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prone to mischief", ensure the context clearly indicates a tendency towards harmless or petty misbehavior, rather than malicious or harmful actions.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to mischief" when describing actions that are genuinely harmful or malicious. "Mischief" implies a playful or trivial nature, while serious wrongdoing requires stronger and more accurate language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to mischief" functions as an adjective phrase that describes a characteristic or tendency. It's used to indicate that someone or something has a predisposition towards causing minor trouble or engaging in playful misbehavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to mischief" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a tendency towards playful or minor misbehavior. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to characterize someone or something as having a predisposition for causing trouble in a lighthearted way. Although the phrase is more appropriate for neutral contexts, it is essential to consider your audience. For more formal contexts, using alternative phrases such as "inclined to misbehave" is advisable. It is important to ensure the context makes it clear that the mischief is minor, as opposed to serious harm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to misbehave

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of mischief, suggesting a tendency towards bad behavior.

apt to cause trouble

Highlights the potential for creating problems or disturbances.

likely to get into scrapes

Suggests a tendency to become involved in minor conflicts or difficult situations.

tending towards naughtiness

Emphasizes the playful and slightly disobedient nature of the behavior.

given to pranks

Specifically refers to a fondness for practical jokes or tricks.

disposed to roguery

Suggests a more serious or deliberate inclination towards dishonest or unscrupulous behavior.

susceptible to trickery

Highlights vulnerability to performing tricks.

vulnerable to mischief

Emphasizes a lack of resistance or protection against causing mischief.

with a penchant for mayhem

Describes a fondness or attraction to creating chaos or disorder.

with a tendency to wreak havoc

Focuses on the destructive or disruptive consequences of the behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to mischief" to describe someone who is likely to cause minor trouble or play pranks. For example, "The children were "prone to mischief" during the summer holidays."

What's a more formal way to say "prone to mischief"?

A more formal alternative to "prone to mischief" might be "inclined to misbehave" or "predisposed to creating disturbances". These options convey a similar meaning with a more serious tone.

Are there any synonyms for "prone to mischief" that emphasize harmlessness?

Yes, alternatives like "given to pranks" or "tending towards naughtiness" suggest a harmless or playful inclination towards mischief.

Is it appropriate to use "prone to mischief" in professional writing?

While "prone to mischief" is generally understood, it might be too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing. A more neutral alternative, like "likely to cause minor disruptions", may be more suitable.