prone to problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to describe something or someone that has a tendency to encounter difficulties or issues. Example: His laptop was old and prone to problems, so he decided to buy a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

TechCrunch

BMC Public Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their claim is that each one alone is prone to problem, but together can cover for each other's short comings.

TechCrunch

Likewise, in a sample of 544 high school students, Goff and Goddard reported students most prone to problem behaviors were those with dominant values of fun/enjoyment and security [ 9].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If seasonal adjustments are so prone to problems, why use them at all?

The New York Times

Bottles are heavy, expensive and unenvironmental, bulkily packaged and prone to problems like cork taint.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some evidence suggests these children may be prone to problems with sugar metabolism, raising the risk of diabetes.

The New York Times - Health

The plant has fewer moving parts and requires a smaller crew, making its operations less prone to problems, the company said.

The New York Times

We teach them that if you're eating too many whoa foods, over your lifetime you are more prone to problems like heart disease.

The New York Times - Health

And, without breaking the tension that is the main appeal of all legal shows, fictional and factual, courtroom documentaries are also prone to problems in their final segments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A fat child may be a fat adult, they say, and prone to problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis.

The New York Times

If you have both a Mac OS X and a Mac OS 9 system on the drive, things are more complicated and prone to problems.

The New York Times - Tech

He said sommeliers have to understand that some wines are more prone to problems than others, and therefore are more important to check.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prone to problem", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, instead of "The system is prone to problem", specify "This old system is prone to problems like crashing and data loss" to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to problem" without specifying the type of problem. Saying something is "prone to problem" without further elaboration is vague. Instead, specify the exact nature of the potential difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to problem" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun by describing its tendency to experience difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to problem" is a grammatically correct way to describe something susceptible to difficulties, though Ludwig's examples suggest it is relatively rare. While acceptable in many contexts, it is advisable to specify the nature of the potential problems. More common alternatives include "susceptible to issues" and "vulnerable to difficulties". Always provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to issues

Replaces "prone" with "susceptible" and "problem" with "issues", indicating vulnerability to negative outcomes.

vulnerable to difficulties

Emphasizes the weakness or lack of protection against challenges.

inclined to complications

Highlights a natural tendency towards complex or problematic situations.

liable to encounter issues

Focuses on the probability of facing problems.

at risk of problems

Emphasizes the potential danger or negative consequences associated with the situation.

predisposed to difficulties

Suggests an inherent tendency or predisposition toward experiencing challenges.

tends to have problems

A more direct and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

has a weakness for problems

Implies a specific vulnerability that makes something susceptible to issues.

sensitive to problems

Indicates that something reacts easily to or is affected by issues.

leaves room for problems

Highlights that something, most likely a strategy or design, has loopholes that may arise into problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to problem" to describe something that has a tendency to develop issues. For example, "This type of engine is "prone to problem" if not properly maintained".

What can I say instead of "prone to problem"?

You can use alternatives like "susceptible to issues", "vulnerable to difficulties", or "inclined to complications" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prone to problem" or "prone to problems"?

While "prone to problem" is grammatically acceptable, "prone to problems" is more common and generally preferred as it acknowledges that multiple issues may arise.

What's the difference between "prone to problem" and "likely to fail"?

"Prone to problem" suggests a tendency to experience various difficulties, while "likely to fail" indicates a high probability of complete failure. The former suggests recurring issues, the latter implies a definitive end.