very prone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very prone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong tendency or susceptibility to something, often in a negative context. Example: "Children are very prone to catching colds during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're very prone to having affairs, and so on".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It fires me up, otherwise I'm very prone to prevaricate.

The Guardian

"The walls of the old building were plaster and very prone to cracking," Mr. Mandart said.

The New York Times

"But New York City is very prone to booms and busts".

The New York Times

I'm very prone to falling into depressions – not clinical, just "can't be bothered".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I love travelling but I am very prone to motion sickness.

Independent

They were also an ignorant people and very prone to superstition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Start adding the oil very slowly and whisking as you go - be careful as aïoli is very prone to misbehaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Color is very prone to pop psychology," Craig Knight, a research psychologist at the University of Exeter, told me.

The New Yorker

Small regions of DNA known as microsatellites are very prone to mutating, creating a kind of genetic fingerprint that's different from one family to another.

The New York Times - Science

"With tiny amounts of gold being extremely valuable, it is very prone to smuggling," says Bibi Bleekemolen, head of impact and innovation at Dutch social enterprise Fairphone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very prone", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is susceptible to. For example, "This type of metal is "very prone" to rust" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

While "very prone" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "highly susceptible" or "particularly vulnerable" to maintain a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very prone" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which something is likely to be affected by or susceptible to a particular condition or event. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very prone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a high degree of susceptibility or likelihood, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions as an adjectival modifier, appearing commonly in scientific and news contexts with a neutral register. While acceptable, writers should vary their language to avoid repetition. Consider using synonyms like "highly susceptible" or "particularly vulnerable". Remember to provide clear context when using "very prone" to avoid ambiguity. With a source quality score of 83 and an expert rating of 4.5, this guide offers a detailed overview of "very prone" usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very susceptible

A direct synonym, emphasizing the degree of vulnerability.

highly susceptible

Emphasizes vulnerability and lack of resistance.

extremely susceptible

Intensifies the degree of vulnerability.

particularly vulnerable

Highlights a specific sensitivity or weakness.

quite susceptible

Indicates a notable but not extreme vulnerability.

at high risk

Emphasizes the potential for negative consequences.

easily affected

Focuses on the ease with which something is influenced.

highly inclined

Suggests a strong tendency or disposition.

easily influenced

Highlights the susceptibility to external factors.

very liable

Indicates a legal or factual responsibility, or a tendency.

FAQs

What does "very prone" mean?

"Very prone" means highly likely to experience or be affected by something, often something negative.

How can I use "very prone" in a sentence?

You can use "very prone" to describe a tendency. For example, "Older adults are "very prone" to falls".

What can I say instead of "very prone"?

You can use alternatives like "highly susceptible", "extremely vulnerable", or "at high risk" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prone to" or "very prone to"?

"Very prone to" intensifies the degree of likelihood compared to simply "prone to". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey. If you want to sound even more authoritative, consider a phrase such as "highly susceptible".