a few sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few sensitive" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to describe a limited number of sensitive items or topics, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "There are a few sensitive issues we need to address during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Writing poetry may once have been the outlet for a few sensitive high school students.

The New York Times

With the exception of a few sensitive items like tomatoes and basil, the colder we keep our foods, the longer they stay in good shape.

The New York Times

EVEN the most hawkish proponents of small government tend to agree that a few sensitive areas of life, such as financial regulation, are best entrusted to bureaucrats.

The Economist

Mr. Jones suggests that employees can close off a few sensitive galleries if the weather is particularly humid; limit crowds, which can heat up and humidify a room quickly; and ask visitors to check wet raincoats.

The New York Times - Arts

But Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, had time to review the findings and in a few sensitive chapters, particularly on Israel, to alter some wording, Bush administration officials said.

The New York Times

Except for a few sensitive files, like those that might allow the project to be erased, the machine's contents -- software, e-mails, even error messages -- are available to everyone in a hodgepodge of languages.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Apart from a very few sensitive cases, the original story remains untouched.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tankers, which dwarf aircraft carriers, have thick hulls designed to prevent oil spills and, when attacked, proved to have few sensitive parts where a "lucky" hit could cause serious damage.

The New York Times

Top Gear can't possibly have intended this offence, which surely exists only in the imaginations of a few excessively sensitive souls.

The Guardian - Arts

But when the subject turns to a few particularly sensitive topics -- among them election fraud, official corruption and religious tension -- the government has cracked down, often using a provision in the penal code that makes it a crime to defame Egypt's reputation.

The New York Times

A few highly sensitive TFs were found, including purR and rcsB.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is "sensitive" and why. Consider whether a more specific adjective would improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few sensitive" without specifying what makes something sensitive. Be explicit; vague language can confuse readers and weaken your message. For example, instead of "a few sensitive files", state "a few confidential financial records".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few sensitive" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a limited quantity of items characterized by a particular attribute, requiring careful handling or consideration. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase may lack clarity on its own.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a few sensitive" is understandable, it often lacks precision and is flagged as grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. It appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, but its frequency remains uncommon. To improve clarity, consider using more specific adjectives or rephrasing the sentence. Alternatives like "a handful of delicate", "several touchy", or "some tricky" can provide more nuanced meanings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is "sensitive" and why; avoid vagueness to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of delicate

Replaces "sensitive" with "delicate", implying fragility or requiring careful handling.

several touchy

Uses "touchy" to convey the potential for causing offense or disagreement.

a couple of vulnerable

Substitutes "sensitive" with "vulnerable", highlighting susceptibility to harm or criticism.

some tricky

Employs "tricky" to suggest that the items or topics require careful navigation or handling.

a number of confidential

Replaces "sensitive" with "confidential", focusing on the private or secret nature of the items.

a small amount of secret

Focuses on the hidden aspect of "sensitive" information, emphasizing privacy.

a few controversial

Highlights the potential for disagreement or strong opposition associated with the topics.

a handful of critical

Substitutes "sensitive" with "critical", suggesting importance and potential impact.

several problematic

Uses "problematic" to indicate that the items or topics present challenges or difficulties.

some emotive

Replaces "sensitive" with "emotive", highlighting the emotional impact or nature of the subjects.

FAQs

What does "a few sensitive" mean?

The phrase "a few sensitive" is generally used to describe a small number of items, topics, or issues that require careful handling due to their potentially delicate or controversial nature. It lacks clarity and is often better replaced with a more descriptive term.

What can I say instead of "a few sensitive"?

You can use alternatives like "a handful of delicate", "several touchy", or "some tricky" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a few sensitive"?

While the phrase "a few sensitive" is understandable, it is often grammatically weak and lacks precision. It's better to use more descriptive adjectives or rephrase the sentence for better clarity.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a few sensitive"?

Avoid using "a few sensitive" when the context doesn't clearly indicate what makes something sensitive. Using more specific adjectives improves clarity and strengthens your writing. For example, instead of stating "a few sensitive issues", specify "a few confidential issues" or "a few contentious issues".