a heightened sensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heightened sensitivity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increased awareness or responsiveness to certain stimuli, emotions, or situations. Example: "After the incident, she experienced a heightened sensitivity to criticism, making her more cautious in her interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Hoogewerf said that while many Chinese consumers had pulled back on spending because of a weakening economy, there was also a heightened sensitivity surrounding luxury purchases.

The New York Times

Studies say that opioids are not useful in the long run and can actually harm patients, causing opioid-induced hyperalgesia (a heightened sensitivity to pain).

HuffPost

Consequently, the selective actions of gentamicin on SGCs and synapses suggest a heightened sensitivity to neurodegeneration in the XBP1+/− haploinsufficient mice.

Cell Death and Disease

I think they've developed a heightened sensitivity".

The New Yorker

But friends and relatives do have a heightened sensitivity about living in the west".

The Guardian

And some Western democracies are showing a heightened sensitivity to hate speech lately.

The New York Times

"Maybe the reaction that people are hearing from the agencies is a heightened sensitivity to that".

The New York Times

And there is a special pressure toward conformity that attends a heightened sensitivity to being observed.

Harvard University

We hypothesize that a heightened sensitivity to angular and mechanical accelerations evolved with wave communication.

Advances in Space Research

Salinas sought pure poetry through clearly focused poems and a heightened sensitivity to language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The charges reflect, in part, a heightened sensitivity in Washington to indiscretions by members of Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heightened sensitivity", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sensitivity is related to. Be specific about the stimulus or situation that is causing the heightened response.

Common error

Avoid using "a heightened sensitivity" without specifying the object or cause of the sensitivity. For example, instead of saying "there is a heightened sensitivity", specify "there is a heightened sensitivity to criticism" to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heightened sensitivity" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and common way to express an increased level of responsiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heightened sensitivity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an increased level of awareness or responsiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal academic writing to informal news reports. While alternatives like "an increased awareness" or "an acute perception" exist, the key is to ensure the context clarifies the object of the sensitivity. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science and Academia. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are paramount to avoid overgeneralization and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increased awareness

Focuses more on the cognitive aspect of being more conscious of something.

an amplified sensitivity

Focuses on the increased intensity of feeling or perception.

an elevated awareness

Similar to increased awareness but suggests a more significant elevation in perception.

a sharpened awareness

Highlights the active process of becoming more aware.

a greater perceptiveness

Suggests a superior ability to notice and understand things.

an acute perception

Highlights the sharpness and keenness of understanding.

a keen discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish subtle differences.

a refined sensibility

Implies a cultivated and delicate sense of appreciation and understanding.

an enhanced responsiveness

Indicates an improved ability to react appropriately to stimuli.

an intensified reaction

Emphasizes the stronger response to stimuli.

FAQs

How can I use "a heightened sensitivity" in a sentence?

You can use "a heightened sensitivity" to describe an increased awareness or responsiveness to something. For example, "After the incident, she developed "a heightened sensitivity" to loud noises".

What are some alternatives to "a heightened sensitivity"?

Alternatives include "an increased awareness", "an acute perception", or "a refined sensibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an heightened sensitivity" instead of "a heightened sensitivity"?

No, the correct article to use is "a" because "heightened" begins with a consonant sound. "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "a heightened sensitivity" and "a heightened awareness"?

"A heightened sensitivity" implies an increased emotional or physical response, while "a heightened awareness" focuses more on an increased cognitive recognition or understanding of something.