prone to scratching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to scratching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or surface that is likely to get scratched easily. Example: "The new phone case is made of a material that is prone to scratching, so I recommend handling it with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Prone to scratching her arse and picking her nose in public, sometimes simultaneously, Aoife Duffin shows Kate's resistance as a rebellion against church, state and clan.

The Guardian

Unlike flat phones, the G Flex rocks as it sits on its back, making it more prone to scratching in the center.

The New York Times

Because they use a chemical coating, their slippery surface gradually wears off and is prone to scratching.

Science Magazine

Glass fronts are recommended, as Plexiglas is prone to scratching.

WikiHow

Holographic cards are even more delicate and prone to scratching.

WikiHow

These teflon-coated irons glide smoothly over fabric but are more prone to scratching, so be extra careful when cleaning.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The matt surface (which is artfully dotted with tiny holes to help reduce internal heat) won't be as prone to scratches.

The Guardian - Tech

This morning, Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller reportedly told a user that the iPhone 5's aluminum back naturally makes it more prone to scratches.

TechCrunch

Check standards are used much more often than primary standards and are prone to scratches and other wear.

Wikipedia

Plexiglass is more prone to scratches, even though there are scratch-resistant types.[4].

WikiHow

But it can be prone to scratches and can be a little stiffer than textured.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product, specify the material that is "prone to scratching" to provide context for its care and maintenance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all materials within a category (e.g., all plastics) have the same scratch resistance. Always verify the specific properties of the material you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to scratching" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating a susceptibility or tendency towards being scratched. As evidenced by the examples, Ludwig confirms its role in specifying the vulnerability of surfaces or materials to damage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to scratching" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a material's susceptibility to scratches. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly found in wiki articles and news media, though it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralizations, always specify the material you are describing and its particular scratch-resistant properties. Consider alternatives like "susceptible to scratches" or "easily scratched" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to scratches

Replaces "prone" with "susceptible", a synonym indicating vulnerability.

easily scratched

Simplifies the phrase to directly state the ease of scratching.

vulnerable to scratching

Substitutes "prone" with "vulnerable", emphasizing the lack of protection against scratches.

liable to scratching

Uses "liable" instead of "prone", suggesting a tendency to get scratched.

tends to scratch easily

Changes the structure to indicate a tendency towards easy scratching.

has a tendency to scratch

Focuses on the inherent tendency of the material to scratch.

scratches easily

A more concise way of saying something is easily scratched.

at risk of scratching

Emphasizes the risk or potential for scratching.

sensitive to scratches

Highlights the sensitivity of the material, making it prone to scratches.

not scratch-resistant

Expresses the lack of resistance to scratching, implying susceptibility.

FAQs

How to use "prone to scratching" in a sentence?

You can use "prone to scratching" to describe materials or surfaces that are easily scratched. For example: "This type of plastic is "prone to scratching" so handle it carefully."

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

You can use alternatives like "susceptible to scratches", "easily scratched", or "vulnerable to scratching" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prone to scratching" or "prone to scratches"?

"Prone to scratching" and "prone to scratches" are both correct but have slightly different meanings. "Prone to scratching" describes the inherent quality of a material, while "prone to scratches" describes a state of already having scratches.

What materials are typically "prone to scratching"?

Common materials "prone to scratching" include plastics, certain metals (especially with polished finishes), and some types of glass. The likelihood depends on the hardness and surface treatment of the specific material.