a sensitive phase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensitive phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time that is delicate or requires careful handling, often in contexts related to emotions, development, or situations that may be vulnerable. Example: "During adolescence, many teenagers go through a sensitive phase where they are more affected by peer pressure and emotional changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

One note to the instructors reminds them that young scouts are in a sensitive phase of development that should be considered "a launching toward commitment".

The New York Times

Adolescent athletes, who are in a sensitive phase of development, are especially prone to negative consequences like injuries or illnesses due to risky behaviors.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

They have an innate predisposition to learn song; they have an initial period of babbling; they have specific brain areas for song-learning, just as we have for speech; and they have a sensitive phase in childhood for acquiring song, just as humans have for acquiring language.

The New Yorker

The disagreement revived longstanding Bush administration tensions with the former president, an outspoken critic of American policies at a time when Israelis and Palestinians say their talks have reached a sensitive phase and Mr. Bush is planning another trip to Israel.

The New York Times

A cell cycle-dependent phase of sensitivity has been proposed to explain the inverse dose rate effect, meaning that increased irradiation time at decreased dose rate increases the probability of a cell to enter a sensitive phase during cell-cycle progression [36,37].

EJNMMI Research

Stunting is a marker of systemic dysfunction during a sensitive phase of child development.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The inhibition of estrone-3-sulfatase activity in these two subcellular fractions showed a biphasic pattern, with a highly sensitive phase seen at 78 nM to 1.25 μm of PCN followed by a markedly less-sensitive phase at > 2.5 μm of PCN.

Steroids

"What makes the current disturbance in relations more critical than before this is that it comes at a sensitive time in Egypt's history, a very sensitive phase in the future of the entire Middle East," the foreign minister said.

Los Angeles Times

The survival curve of stationary phase SCC-25 cells exposed to various concentrations of bleomycin is biphasic with an initial sensitive phase and a less sensitive second phase as is common for many cell lines.

British Journal of Cancer

As a temperature sensitive phase change material (PCM), the loaded tetradecanol was served as switch for control release of DOX and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the condition of enhanced temperature triggered by the near infrared (NIR) light irradiation.

Biomaterials

Since milk is the most important source of nutrition during the first year of life - the period when the individual triples his/her weight, and is also in a particularly sensitive phase of development - such striking differences in calcium, phosphorus and protein intake are likely to be of major importance for skeletal growth and structure.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensitive phase", clearly define what makes the phase sensitive within the context of your writing. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensitive phase" without providing specific reasons or examples. Simply stating that something is "a sensitive phase" lacks impact and can make your writing seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive phase" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts like child development and international relations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sensitive phase" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a period requiring careful consideration due to potential vulnerabilities or critical importance. While frequently found in scientific and news contexts, its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details about what makes the phase sensitive to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a delicate period" or "a vulnerable stage" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate period

Replaces "sensitive" with "delicate", emphasizing fragility.

a vulnerable stage

Focuses on the susceptibility and need for protection during this time.

a crucial time

Underscores the significance and impact of the phase.

a pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point or decisive nature of the phase.

a critical juncture

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the phase.

a challenging period

Similar to "testing time" but slightly broader, encompassing various types of challenges.

a transitional stage

Focuses on the shift or change occurring during this phase.

a precarious moment

Emphasizes the instability and potential risks involved.

a testing time

Highlights the challenges and difficulties associated with the phase.

a formative period

Highlights the developmental aspect and lasting influence of the phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensitive phase" to describe a period that requires careful handling, such as "Childhood is "a sensitive phase" for development".

What are some alternatives to "a sensitive phase"?

Alternatives include "a delicate period", "a vulnerable stage", or "a critical juncture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a sensitive phase"?

While grammatically correct, "a sensitive phase" should be used when the context genuinely involves heightened vulnerability or requires careful consideration. Avoid using it as a generic placeholder without specific justification.

What makes "a sensitive phase" different from "a difficult phase"?

"A sensitive phase" emphasizes vulnerability and the need for careful handling, while "a difficult phase" primarily highlights challenges and hardships. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.