a sensitive line between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensitive line between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delicate or nuanced distinction between two concepts, feelings, or situations. Example: "There is a sensitive line between being assertive and being aggressive in communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was wearing a thick cardigan that, truth be told, walked a sensitive line between doofusy and stylish.

The New York Times

The Weather Channel and Discovery are straddling a sensitive line between public service and entertainment, as is especially evident on days like Sunday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Between 18 and 25 progeny of a cross between each sensitive line and a standard laboratory strain, yw, were scored, and six lines with aberrant heart beats were also aberrant when outcrossed, suggesting a partially dominant mode of transmission.

Plosone

No marked differences between 3 FU-insensitive lines and 1 sensitive line have been observed.

British Journal of Cancer

As expected, MIT7 cells (a drug-sensitive line) were sensitive to the combined treatment.

Oral Oncology

Also, although the government has said it will not require churches to carry out gay marriages, the issue also threatens the sensitive dividing line between the province of the state and of religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is evident that the panel cell lines can be divided into two groups according to sensitivity to Zalypsis, sensitive lines with an IC50 below 1 nM and resistant lines with an IC50 above 100 nM, establishing a more than 100-fold difference between the sensitive and resistant groups.

BMC Cancer

Pdc1 and Pdc2 and Adh1 and Adh2 showed greater expression under hypoxia but with no apparent differences between tolerant and sensitive lines.

AoB PLANTS

No correlations between levels of LC3-II and changes of PI3K/mTOR signaling regulators such as PTEN, NF2 as well as mTORC1 activity (documented by S6 phosphorylation) between resistant and sensitive lines were observed in serum-deprivation conditions (Supplementary Figure S3).

Cell Death and Disease

Job theft has long been a sensitive issue between New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The New York Times

In this most sensitive of areas, there is a thin line between encouraging and patronising, between universality and ethnocentrism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensitive line between", ensure that the two concepts being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Use specific examples to illustrate the subtle difference.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the sensitivity of the line if the distinction is relatively straightforward. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when a truly delicate balance is at stake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive line between" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a subtle boundary requiring careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, illustrating contexts where a delicate distinction must be observed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sensitive line between" is used to describe a delicate distinction or boundary between two concepts, requiring careful judgment and awareness of potential consequences. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, primarily found in news, scientific and general contexts. While alternatives like ""a fine line between"" exist, "sensitive" emphasizes the delicate nature of the distinction. To effectively use this phrase, define the concepts clearly and avoid overstating the sensitivity if the distinction is straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate balance between

Emphasizes the need for equilibrium between two elements.

a fine distinction between

Highlights a subtle difference that requires careful observation.

a subtle boundary between

Focuses on the often unclear division separating two concepts.

a thin margin between

Suggests a narrow space or allowance between two conditions.

a precarious threshold between

Implies a risky or unstable boundary.

a gray area between

Refers to a zone of uncertainty where things are not clearly defined.

a blurry division between

Indicates a lack of clear separation.

a tenuous link between

Suggests a weak or fragile connection.

a critical juncture between

Highlights a crucial point of intersection or divergence.

a sensitive border between

Focuses on a potentially volatile or contentious boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "a sensitive line between" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe a delicate distinction or boundary between two concepts or situations. For example, "There's a sensitive line between constructive criticism and personal attacks."

What are some alternatives to "a sensitive line between"?

Alternatives include "a fine line between", "a delicate balance between", or "a subtle distinction between".

Is it always necessary to use "sensitive" when describing a line between two things?

No, "sensitive" emphasizes the delicate or potentially problematic nature of the distinction. You can use "a line between" without "sensitive" if the nuance isn't crucial.

What makes the line "sensitive"?

The "sensitive" aspect usually implies that crossing or blurring the line could have negative consequences, involve ethical considerations, or require careful judgment.