prone to rust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to rust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that has a tendency to corrode or rust quickly. For example, "Iron is a metal that is prone to rust, so it needs to be painted or covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Arabica, the species most prone to rust, accounts for 97% of Mexico's 680,000 hectares of coffee plantations.

The Guardian

Half the bushes in Chiapas are over 20 years old and belong to varieties which are very prone to rust.

The Guardian

Before that, most cars, for instance, were notoriously unreliable, prone to rust, and unlikely to last past 100,000 miles.

Harvard Business Review

Collectors warn that it is prone to rust at its infamous "hog troughs," an intricate system of stamped-steel sections along the rocker panels.

The New York Times

Mr. Pressnell also provides buying tips, noting, for example, that the 3000's body and chassis are prone to rust severely.

The New York Times

"Some companies will use mirrors to inspect the inside of the tank and some will use video cameras and fiber optics to inspect the system," he said, adding that metal septic tanks are especially prone to rust damage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mild steel is prone to rusting, while stainless steel is corrosion resistant.

WikiHow

If you miss a spot, it won't get a coating of seasoning, and will be more prone to rusting.

WikiHow

Some are prone to rusting and this impacts the cog mechanisms.

WikiHow

Those too are beginning to rust.

The Economist

The swing sets are beginning to rust.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials or objects, specify the conditions that make them "prone to rust". For example, mention exposure to moisture or salt as contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "prone to rust" without providing context. Instead of saying 'This metal is prone to rust', specify what makes it so, such as 'This metal is prone to rust in humid environments'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to rust" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a tendency or susceptibility to rust. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used to describe materials or objects likely to corrode. This phrase adds specific detail regarding the characteristics of the modified noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

41%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to rust" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has a tendency to corrode. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki articles. While it is acceptable to use in various contexts, it's best to provide specific details about the conditions that contribute to rusting. Alternatives such as "susceptible to corrosion" or "liable to rust" can be used for variety. Overall, Ludwig's analysis supports the phrase's widespread usage and clarity in conveying susceptibility to corrosion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corrosion-prone

Directly parallels the structure of "prone to rust", but uses 'corrosion' instead.

vulnerable to corrosion

Highlights a weakness or lack of protection against corrosion.

susceptible to corrosion

Focuses on the vulnerability of a material to corrosive processes.

liable to rust

Emphasizes the probability of rust occurring.

easily corroded

Describes the ease with which a material rusts or corrodes.

predisposed to rust

Suggests an inherent tendency or characteristic that favors rusting.

tending to rust

Highlights the inclination or habit of rusting.

inclined to rust

Similar to 'tending to rust', but may suggest a weaker inclination.

at risk of rusting

Stresses the potential danger or negative outcome of rusting.

rust-sensitive

Implies a high degree of reactivity or sensitivity to conditions that cause rust.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The old car is "prone to rust" because it's often exposed to rain" or "Certain types of steel are more "prone to rust" than others".

What's a simple synonym for "prone to rust"?

A simple synonym is "liable to rust", which also means having a tendency to rust.

Is it better to say "prone to rust" or "susceptible to rust"?

"Prone to rust" and "susceptible to rust" are largely interchangeable. "Susceptible to rust" might imply a slightly greater degree of vulnerability.

What materials are commonly described as "prone to rust"?

Iron and certain types of steel are commonly described as ""prone to rust"". This is because they react with oxygen and moisture in the air to form iron oxide, which is rust.