a delicate person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is sensitive, fragile, or easily affected by their environment or emotions. Example: "She is a delicate person, often overwhelmed by loud noises and strong emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Princeton University

The Guardian - Film

Wikipedia

The New York Times

The Guardian - Film

The Guardian - Film

University of California, Berkeley

The Guardian - Film

HuffPost

Los Angeles Times

BioMed Research International

The New York Times

The New York Times - Books

Encyclopedia Britannica

WikiHow

Cornell University

The Economist

The Economist

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The Economist

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The Guardian - Opinion

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The New Yorker

The New Yorker

TechCrunch

TechCrunch

TechCrunch

Forbes

Forbes

Johns Hopkins University

Duke University

Vice

Vice

Vice

Los Angeles Times

Huffington Post

Vice

Los Angeles Times

BMC Health Services Research

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this article a method is set out which can be at once systematic and naturalistic in its handling of a delicate person-centred therapy.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

As a not-delicate person, who is a little bit claustrophobic anyways, it was not my cup of tea.

Princeton University

"I was to go with her out into the desert to show her something about camels and here was this delicate person," said the writer last year.

The Guardian - Film

A polished courtier, Villiers earned the nickname "Tiger" among his party for his vehement support of the king; although as Fanny Burney observed, his "remarkably slim, slight and delicate person" did not match the nickname.

Wikipedia

The best way to do so is with a delicate, in-person conversation.

The New York Times

"I always thought of Ichabod as a very delicate, fragile person who was maybe a little too in touch with his feminine side, like a frightened little girl," Depp explained.

Wikipedia

Chris's sister Dottie, played by Juno Temple, still lives in the family nest, a delicate and unworldly person given to sleepwalking and sleep-talking, a condition that makes their family life anxious and surreal.

The Guardian - Film

STF: We are in a delicate period.

University of California, Berkeley

"He's a very delicate, intelligent person.

The Guardian - Film

We know that socially this is "a delicate time in a young person's life," but it's true on a neurological level as well.

HuffPost

We were then still in the age of official awkwardness over "international marriages". At first, therefore, Mrs. Reischauer was not so much a person as a delicate if temporary issue in international relations.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context in which you use "a delicate person". In some situations, it might be perceived as condescending or patronizing. Consider alternative phrases if you want to avoid potential offense.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate person" as a shorthand for someone who is simply shy or introverted. The phrase implies a deeper level of sensitivity and vulnerability. If someone is merely reserved, consider using a more appropriate descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate person" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its descriptive role in characterizing individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate person" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe individuals who are particularly sensitive or fragile. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While generally neutral, it’s important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and avoid oversimplifying an individual's character. Related phrases, such as "a sensitive individual" or "a fragile soul", can offer alternative shades of meaning. Be mindful of the context to ensure your description is both accurate and respectful. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's versatility and widespread use, reinforcing its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensitive individual

Focuses on emotional responsiveness and awareness.

an easily hurt individual

Directly states susceptibility to emotional pain.

a fragile soul

Emphasizes vulnerability and emotional weakness.

a thin-skinned person

Suggests being easily offended or upset by criticism.

a tender-hearted person

Highlights kindness and compassion.

a susceptible individual

Indicates vulnerability to influence or harm.

a gentle spirit

Implies mildness and peacefulness in character.

a person easily overwhelmed

Focuses on being readily affected by stress or sensory input.

a person of refined sensibilities

Highlights sophistication and sensitivity to aesthetic qualities.

a mild-mannered person

Emphasizes gentleness and lack of assertiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate person" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate person" to describe someone who is easily affected by their environment or emotions. For example, "She's "a delicate person" and needs a calm environment to thrive."

What's a more formal way to say "a delicate person"?

A more formal alternative to "a delicate person" could be "a sensitive individual" or "a person of refined sensibilities", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "a delicate person"?

It depends on the context and your intention. While not inherently offensive, describing someone as ""a delicate person"" could be perceived as condescending if it implies weakness or fragility. Consider whether a more empowering description might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a delicate person" and "a fragile person"?

While similar, "a fragile person" emphasizes vulnerability and susceptibility to harm, while ""a delicate person"" can also suggest refinement and sensitivity.