prone to theft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to theft" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is vulnerable or likely to be stolen. For example: "Security guards were hired to protect the expensive jewelry, as it was prone to theft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They are expensive and can be prone to theft.

The Guardian

Does a pattern of proteins make some of us more prone to theft, violence, murder than others?

The Guardian - Opinion

Okwii added that keeping produce in traditional granaries has been a real problem as there is no security - granaries were prone to theft.

The Guardian

This is important because the drive is less than an inch thick and smaller than a 3 x 5 index card, making it prone to theft or loss.

The New York Times - Tech

Yoani Sánchez, a blogger, reports that since the demise of Rio Zaza, where the warehouses were notoriously prone to theft, the black-market price of milk and other staples has doubled.

The Economist

Yet that ability also has made Bitcoin historically prone to theft.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This trend not only makes vehicles prone to thefts and automated attacks, but also endangers passengers safety.

Computers & Security

Currently, many security systems suffer from a set of drawbacks that make them prone to password theft.

Cornell University

And immigrants in the country illegally are especially prone to wage theft because they are often fearful of speaking out, several studies show.

The New York Times

But Frontinus notes that the Aqua Claudia was especially prone to water theft and fraud, "since the amount actually delivered does not agree either with the statements of the records [2855 quinariae] or with the gauging made by us at the intake, or even with those made at the settling-basins, after so many depredations" (II.72).

University of Chicago

The system, however, was prone to vandalism and theft.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items as "prone to theft", consider adding specific details about the security measures (or lack thereof) that contribute to this vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the risk of theft. Saying something is "extremely prone to theft" without justification can sound hyperbolic. Instead, provide evidence or context for the heightened risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to theft" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its susceptibility to being stolen. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and correct English phrase. The provided examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from e-bikes to data drives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to theft" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something vulnerable to being stolen. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is accurate and suitable for describing a range of items or situations. It's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Remember to provide context and avoid exaggeration when using this phrase, ensuring that you accurately represent the risk of theft.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to theft

Replaces "prone" with "susceptible", emphasizing a lack of resistance.

vulnerable to theft

Substitutes "prone" with "vulnerable", highlighting a weakness that can be exploited.

at risk of theft

Uses "at risk" instead of "prone", indicating a possibility of theft.

liable to be stolen

Replaces "prone to theft" with a more direct description of the potential outcome.

easily stolen

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the ease with which something can be stolen.

an easy target for theft

Highlights the item as a target, focusing on the perspective of the thief.

tends to be stolen

Indicates a tendency or pattern of being stolen.

subject to larceny

Uses the formal term "larceny" to refer to theft.

invites theft

Suggests that the item or situation encourages theft.

offers opportunity for theft

Focuses on the opportunity presented for theft to occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "prone to theft" to describe objects or locations that are easily stolen, such as "E-bikes are expensive and can be "prone to theft"".

What is a synonym for "prone to theft"?

Synonyms for "prone to theft" include "vulnerable to theft", "susceptible to theft", or "at risk of theft". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prone to theft" or "subject to theft"?

Both "prone to theft" and "subject to theft" are grammatically correct. "Prone to theft" implies a natural tendency or vulnerability, while "subject to theft" suggests that theft is a possibility or a common occurrence. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "prone to theft"?

Factors that make something "prone to theft" might include its high value, ease of portability, lack of security measures, or location in a high-crime area.