a sensitive situation

USAGE SUMMARY

'a sensitive situation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation which needs to be managed or handled carefully because it could easily cause offense or distress. For example, "Sally is in a sensitive situation because her parents are getting divorced, so we should try to be extra understanding of her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A It's a sensitive situation.

The New York Times

The country is in a sensitive situation.

The New York Times

"It's a sensitive situation," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a sensitive situation for Hezbollah," Mr. Goksel said.

The New York Times

"Anorexia is a sensitive situation," said Ms. White, the trainer at Reebok.

The New York Times - Health

If the media coverage is sensationalist or distorted, Black says, it can make a sensitive situation even worse.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"For the armed forces, it's a very sensitive situation because we have a great partnership with Israeli high-tech companies".

Vice

"We need to prepare for a very sensitive situation where the only guarantee that we don't become a narco-state is a proactive citizenry that stands up against corruption and for human rights," Alban said.

Vice

It's a very sensitive situation".

Independent

"But it's a very sensitive situation.

The Guardian - Sport

"We have to be very careful who we let in, this is a very sensitive situation," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensitive situation", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the fragility, the difficulty, or the potential for conflict that you want to emphasize? Choose related terms accordingly.

Common error

While "a sensitive situation" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a delicate matter" or "a tricky issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive situation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific state or condition that requires careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensitive situation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe scenarios requiring careful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for news, professional, and even some informal contexts. The phrase’s effectiveness lies in its ability to signal potential delicacy or controversy. When employing this phrase, consider related alternatives to refine your expression and maintain reader engagement. Avoiding overuse and understanding the implicit message of caution are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate matter

Subtly emphasizes the need for careful handling, suggesting potential fragility.

a tricky issue

Highlights the complexity and potential difficulty in resolving the situation.

a precarious circumstance

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger inherent in the situation.

a challenging predicament

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the situation.

a fraught environment

Stresses the tension and anxiety surrounding the situation.

a combustible scenario

Implies a high risk of escalating conflict or problems.

a contentious affair

Highlights the likelihood of disagreement and dispute.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the situation's outcome.

a taxing ordeal

Focuses on the stressful and burdensome nature of the situation.

a complicated state of affairs

Highlights the entanglement and intricate nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensitive situation" to describe a scenario that requires careful handling. For example, "The negotiations are in "a sensitive situation" due to the ongoing disagreements".

What are some alternative ways to describe "a sensitive situation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a delicate matter", "a tricky issue", or "a precarious circumstance".

Is it appropriate to use "a sensitive situation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sensitive situation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, business documents, and academic papers. However, always consider the specific context and audience.

What makes a situation "a sensitive situation"?

A situation becomes "a sensitive situation" when it involves factors that could easily cause offense, distress, or conflict. These factors often require careful consideration and tactful handling.