I was sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on your emotional state or reactions in a past situation. Example: "During that difficult time, I was sensitive to the feelings of those around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Of course, the Nazi threat was evident before 1939, and Tolkien, a veteran of World War I, was sensitive to it.

The New York Times

In other words, I was sensitive to sourness and very sensitive to bitterness.

The New Yorker

I was raised in south-east London, so I was sensitive to it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even when I was healthy, I was sensitive to the process.

The New Yorker

I was sensitive to the fact that they were fighting for their very survival".

The New York Times

"That's one of the things I found I was sensitive to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I'm sensitive to that.

The New York Times - Sports

"He knows I'm sensitive".

The New York Times

I'm sensitive," he said.

The New York Times

I'm sensitive to that point.

The Economist

"I'm sensitive to ghosts," he said.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was sensitive" to honestly reflect on past emotional states, providing context to your actions or reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "I was sensitive" as a blanket statement without explaining the specific trigger or situation. Providing context helps the reader understand your perspective and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was sensitive" functions as a statement of personal feeling or state of being. It typically serves as a predicate adjective describing the subject 'I'. As shown by Ludwig, this statement is correct and appears in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was sensitive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a past emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for various audiences, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""I felt vulnerable"" or ""I was easily affected"" can offer more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning. The analyzed sources suggest a neutral register, making it appropriate for both personal narratives and more formal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt vulnerable

Focuses on a state of being easily hurt emotionally or physically, emphasizing weakness.

I was easily affected

Highlights the ease with which external stimuli influenced one's emotional state.

I was emotionally responsive

Emphasizes a quick and strong emotional reaction to external events.

I was perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

I was acutely aware

Focuses on a heightened state of consciousness and attentiveness to surroundings or feelings.

I was impressionable

Implies being easily influenced or swayed by others.

I took things to heart

Emphasizes the tendency to be deeply affected by events or words.

I internalized everything

Highlights the process of taking external events and making them part of one's inner self.

I was thin-skinned

Emphasizes a susceptibility to criticism or perceived slights.

I was alive to

Indicates an awareness of something. Often used when becoming aware of issues or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "I was sensitive" in a sentence?

You can use "I was sensitive" to describe your emotional state in a past situation. For example, "During that difficult time, "I was sensitive" to the feelings of those around me".

What are some alternatives to "I was sensitive"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt vulnerable", "I was easily affected", or "I was emotionally responsive" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I was sensitive" or "I am sensitive"?

The choice depends on the time frame you're referring to. Use "I was sensitive" when describing a past state, and "I am sensitive" when describing your current disposition.

What's the difference between "I was sensitive" and "I was sentimental"?

""I was sensitive"" implies a general awareness and emotional responsiveness, while "I was sentimental" suggests a strong emotional attachment to the past or to particular objects or people.