prone to tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"prone to tears" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that someone is easily moved to tears or is emotionally sensitive. Here are a few examples of how you could use it in a sentence: - "She was prone to tears whenever she watched sad movies." - "The politician's speech was so moving that many in the audience were prone to tears." - "As she grew older, she found herself becoming more prone to tears during emotional moments." - "The therapist noticed that the patient was prone to tears during their sessions, indicating deep-seated emotional issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ms. Ma is corn-fed and prone to tears.

The New York Times

Americans, Germans and Italians are more prone to tears than Bulgarians, Chinese and Peruvians.

The New York Times

The child was smaller than Adam, kicked harder, and was more prone to tears.

The New Yorker

That's when Boehner, who is prone to tears (it drives him crazy, but he can't help it), lost it.

The Washington Post

The menfolk of Twin Peaks are surprisingly prone to tears, but none is so damp as Andy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Overextended, self-deceived, insecure with his staff and prone to tears, Jonathan is much more a quivering entrepreneur than a self-assured matinee idol.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is clear that some athletes, male and female, may be more prone to tearing the ligament.

The New York Times - Health

In some cases it may be a genetic disorder that makes the tissue fragile and the aorta prone to tearing.

The New York Times - Health

A discoid lateral meniscus is particularly prone to tear in association with an ACL tear (Fig. 12).

Insights into Imaging

Torrone said it can only make the latex more prone to tear.

HuffPost

Keep skin thoroughly moisturized, as dry skin is more prone to tearing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality, use "prone to tears" to illustrate emotional sensitivity or vulnerability. It adds depth and relatability to the character.

Common error

While descriptive, repeatedly using "prone to tears" can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions of emotional expression to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to tears" functions as an adjective phrase describing a person's tendency or susceptibility to crying easily. It modifies a noun, indicating a characteristic or quality of that person. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prone to tears" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who is easily moved to crying. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. The phrase serves to illustrate emotional sensitivity and vulnerability. Remember to vary your descriptions and avoid overuse to keep your writing fresh. Alternatives include "inclined to cry" or emotionally sensitive depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily brought to tears

Focuses on the ease with which someone starts crying.

inclined to cry

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a tendency to cry.

quick to weep

Emphasizes the speed of reacting with tears.

given to tears

A slightly more literary way of saying someone cries often.

emotionally sensitive

Highlights a general susceptibility to emotional stimuli.

teary-eyed

Describes someone who is already on the verge of crying.

weepy

A simple adjective to describe someone who cries frequently.

easily saddened

Highlights the ease with which someone becomes sad, which can lead to tears.

sensitive soul

Implies a deep emotional capacity and vulnerability.

thin-skinned

Suggests a vulnerability to emotional pain and criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to tears" to describe someone who is easily moved to cry. For example: "She was "prone to tears" during sad movies."

What's a less common synonym for "prone to tears"?

Alternatives include "inclined to cry" or "given to tears", which offer a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Is it correct to say 'prone of tears' instead of "prone to tears"?

No, the correct preposition is "to". "Prone of tears" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "prone to".

What's the difference between "prone to tears" and "emotionally sensitive"?

"Prone to tears" specifically indicates a tendency to cry easily, while "emotionally sensitive" is a broader term that suggests a heightened awareness and reaction to emotions in general.