a little sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily affected by emotions or criticism, or to refer to a topic that may provoke strong feelings. Example: "She can be a little sensitive when it comes to discussing her past experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a little sensitive about that.

The New York Times

And I was feeling a little sensitive.

The New York Times

"I'm a little sensitive," Mr. Barber acknowledged.

The New York Times - Food

Japanese acers are a little sensitive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a little sensitive," the officer said, inspecting his companion.

The New York Times

"I'm a little sensitive to the whole reputation thing," Ackman said, and so he agreed.

The New Yorker

Gear changes are seamless, though it is a little sensitive to bumps in the road.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he also recalled Randolph as being "a little sensitive" when they were minor league teammates.

The New York Times

Someone told him it's now called "Tait's Turd" in town and he's feeling a little sensitive.

The Guardian

"We're all feeling a little sensitive right now," said a Sony spokeswoman.

The New York Times

"I knew the title might be a little sensitive," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little sensitive" to describe topics or subjects that require careful handling and awareness of diverse perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a little sensitive" in highly formal or professional settings where more precise or nuanced language may be more appropriate. Opt for alternatives that convey the specific type of sensitivity you're addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little sensitive" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a degree of emotional or physical sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to describe someone easily affected by emotions or to denote a topic that may provoke strong feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Lifestyle

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little sensitive" is a common and versatile way to describe emotional or physical sensitivity, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as an adjectival modifier and finds frequent use in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it adaptable to different communication styles. When using the phrase, it's essential to consider the context to avoid unintended negative connotations, and in formal settings, more precise language may be more suitable. Semantically related alternatives include "somewhat touchy" and "slightly delicate". Overall, "a little sensitive" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced understanding, requiring careful consideration of context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat touchy

Implies a similar level of emotional sensitivity, but potentially more prone to taking offense.

slightly delicate

Focuses more on the fragility or vulnerability of a situation or person.

a bit tender

Suggests a gentler form of sensitivity, often related to emotional pain or vulnerability.

rather susceptible

Highlights the ease with which someone or something can be affected.

mildly reactive

Emphasizes the responsiveness to stimuli, whether emotional or physical.

somewhat responsive

Focuses on the capacity to react or respond to external stimuli or emotions.

easily affected

Directly points out that someone or something is readily influenced or impacted.

a tad emotional

Implies a slight tendency towards emotional expression or vulnerability.

a shade fragile

Conveys a sense of vulnerability or delicacy, suggesting something easily broken or hurt.

slightly impressionable

Suggests that someone is easily influenced by others' opinions or experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little sensitive" to describe someone's emotional state, for example: "She's "a little sensitive" about her past." It can also describe a topic, such as: "Politics is "a little sensitive" to talk about at family gatherings."

What are some alternatives to "a little sensitive"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "somewhat touchy", "slightly delicate", or "a bit tender" instead of "a little sensitive".

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as "a little sensitive"?

While generally acceptable, consider the potential impact of labeling someone as "a little sensitive". In some contexts, it may be perceived as dismissive. Choose your words carefully and prioritize empathy.

When is it better to avoid using the phrase "a little sensitive"?

In formal or professional settings, using more precise and descriptive language may be more suitable. Instead of saying "the issue is "a little sensitive"", you might say "the issue requires careful consideration".