a sensitive question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensitive question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or inquiry that may provoke strong emotions or discomfort in a conversation. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a sensitive question about the company's future plans that made everyone pause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's a sensitive question," Mr. Mikkelsen said.

The New York Times

He said he had to ask a sensitive question.

The New York Times

The degree to which race is a factor in the change is a sensitive question for Southern Democrats.

The New York Times

Fueled by petitions, the citizens' initiatives seek to bypass the traditional legislative process and compel a popular vote on a sensitive question.

The New York Times

PARIS — A sensitive question loomed this week over celebrations for the 10th anniversary of an international convention aimed at curbing bribery: Where were China and Russia?

The New York Times

"This is a sensitive question," Ni Shixiong, one of the Chinese organizers of the event, said in an interview published in the new edition of Southern People Weekly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Somebody asked him, 'So, Rupert, how much are you making?' A really sensitive question to ask a 12-year-old boy".

The Guardian - Film

Viacom and DirecTV had been battling over how much DirecTV should pay for a bundle of Viacom's cable channels, an increasingly sensitive question at a time when consumers are trying new online options for television viewing.

The New York Times

Whether he would have ventured down such a personal memory lane if his mother were alive is a more sensitive question.

The New York Times - Sports

A culturally sensitive question was developed to study SRH and tested with three instruments: a single SRH question and two VAS.

Global Health Action

This is a highly sensitive question, though answers to it have by contrast tended to be roughly dogmatic.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If addressing "a sensitive question" in writing, provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid generalizations or assumptions when dealing with "a sensitive question". Acknowledge the nuances and complexities involved to demonstrate respect and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive question" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it often introduces topics that require careful consideration due to their potential to evoke strong emotions or discomfort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensitive question" is a noun phrase used to introduce a topic that requires careful handling and consideration. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though relatively rare in occurrence. It appears most frequently in news and media, and science contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to be mindful of your audience and the potential impact of the question. Consider alternatives like "a delicate question" to soften the impact. Always strive for clarity and avoid oversimplifications to demonstrate respect and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate question

Replaces "sensitive" with "delicate", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

a touchy subject

Shifts from a question to a subject, highlighting potential discomfort.

a difficult inquiry

Substitutes "sensitive" with "difficult" and "question" with "inquiry", focusing on the complexity of the question.

a problematic issue

Frames the question as an issue that presents difficulties or uncertainties.

a contentious matter

Highlights the potential for disagreement or argument surrounding the question.

a controversial topic

Focuses on the divisive nature of the topic being questioned.

a tricky problem

Presents the question as a problem requiring careful navigation.

a challenging query

Emphasizes the difficulty in answering the question.

a politically charged issue

Specifies that the sensitivity arises from political implications.

a morally complex dilemma

Indicates the question involves ethical considerations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a sensitive question" to be more gentle?

Consider using alternatives like "a delicate question" or framing it as "a difficult inquiry" to reduce potential discomfort.

What are some contexts where it's best to avoid asking "a sensitive question"?

It's wise to avoid asking "a sensitive question" in public settings or when the individual may feel pressured or unprepared to answer. Consider private or more appropriate settings.

Is "a sensitive question" always negative?

Not necessarily. While often associated with discomfort, "a sensitive question" can be crucial for understanding complex issues and fostering meaningful dialogue, especially when handled with care.

What's the difference between "a sensitive question" and "a controversial topic"?

"A sensitive question" implies an inquiry that may cause discomfort, while "a controversial topic" refers to a subject that is likely to spark debate or disagreement.