a heightened sensitivity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heightened sensitivity to" 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 developed a heightened sensitivity to the feelings of those around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blum, who once covered airlines, believes the sector itself is too vulnerable to a number of factors to be a solid investment, chief among them a heightened sensitivity to oil prices and a still-troubled U.S. economy.

Forbes

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

Information obtained from case histories and anecdotal evidence indicates the pain develops into a long-lasting hyperalgesia (a heightened sensitivity to pain) that persists for days or even months.

Wikipedia

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

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

Consumers of newer store designs are found to possess a heightened sensitivity to price perceptions.

Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

But if you walk at normal Manhattan street speed, you can better appreciate a heightened sensitivity to your movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heightened sensitivity to" when you want to express an amplified awareness or responsiveness towards something, whether it's emotional, physical, or conceptual. Ensure the object of the sensitivity is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a heightened sensitivity to" in contexts where a different type of response is more appropriate, such as increased tolerance or resistance. This phrase specifically indicates increased receptiveness or vulnerability, not the opposite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heightened sensitivity to" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It signifies an increased state of awareness or responsiveness toward something, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heightened sensitivity to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies an increased awareness or responsiveness. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for formal writing, appearing often in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it is important to choose it deliberately and avoid confusing it with related concepts such as "susceptibility." By recognizing its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to convey nuanced meanings in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heightened awareness of

Changes the focus from sensitivity to awareness, implying a cognitive understanding rather than an emotional or physical response. Also, the preposition changes from 'to' to 'of'.

a greater sensitivity toward

Substitutes "heightened" with "greater", emphasizing the degree of sensitivity. The preposition 'to' also changes to 'toward'.

an amplified sensitivity to

Replaces "heightened" with "amplified", suggesting the sensitivity has been made stronger.

a marked sensitivity to

Synonymous substitution. Marked means easily noticeable or clearly defined.

an increased responsiveness to

Replaces "sensitivity" with "responsiveness", suggesting a more active reaction. Includes changing the article from 'a' to 'an'.

a keen awareness of

Replaces "heightened sensitivity" with "keen awareness", implying a sharp and perceptive understanding.

a developed sensitivity to

Highlights the process of acquiring the sensitivity. The phrase developed implies growth and progression over time.

a refined sensitivity to

Implies a sensitivity that is more precise and nuanced, often achieved through experience or training.

a sharpened perception of

Shifts the focus to perception, suggesting improved sensory or cognitive recognition.

an elevated consciousness of

Emphasizes a higher state of awareness or understanding, often in a more philosophical or spiritual context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heightened sensitivity to" to describe an increased awareness or responsiveness to something. For example, "After the treatment, he developed "a heightened sensitivity to" light."

What are some alternatives to "a heightened sensitivity to"?

Some alternatives include "a heightened awareness of", "a greater sensitivity toward", or "an increased responsiveness to", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a heightened sensitivity to" in formal writing?

Yes, "a heightened sensitivity to" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig's examples show it appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news media contexts. The phrase is widely understood and grammatically sound.

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

"A heightened sensitivity to" implies an increased awareness or responsiveness, while "a heightened susceptibility to" suggests an increased vulnerability or likelihood of being affected by something. While related, they are not always interchangeable.