a sensitive thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensitive thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a subject or matter that requires careful handling or consideration due to its delicate nature. Example: "Discussing her past experiences can be a sensitive thing, so we should approach the topic with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Declaring a drought is a sensitive thing," says Stefanski.

The Guardian

"That's a sensitive thing for me, learning how to be wrong," he said.

The New York Times - Food

If you ask ordinary people about a sensitive thing, how they react is different than how you'll react.

The New York Times

"This is a sensitive thing," Col. Bill Darley, spokesman for the United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla., said of the mobile unit in an interview.

The New York Times

David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change said: "Biomass burning is a sensitive thing because it's an economic low-carbon source of energy - especially relative to offshore wind".

BBC

While it is of course important, fluent command of the native language is to a necessity for every job and although it is sometimes a sensitive thing in several European countries, in many cases communication in English provides a solution to probblems with the native language.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Miller thought a moment and said, "That's a very sensitive thing to look at.

The New Yorker

"It is a very sensitive thing to put yourself on display in such a way," he said.

Vice

It's a very sensitive thing to talk about.

The Guardian - Sport

Right now it's a very sensitive thing.

The New York Times - Arts

It was always handled as a very sensitive thing".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sensitive thing", be mindful of your audience and choose language that avoids causing offense or distress. Consider the potential impact of your words.

Common error

Avoid assuming something is "a sensitive thing" without understanding the specific context and perspectives involved. Sensitivity is often subjective and depends on individual experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "thing". Ludwig AI provides examples showing it referring to topics or matters requiring careful consideration. It acts as a subject complement or object in sentences, as seen in examples where declaring a drought is described as "a sensitive thing".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensitive thing" is a noun phrase used to describe topics or situations that require careful and considerate handling. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and utility in various contexts, primarily news, media and science, with a frequency classified as uncommon. The phrase suggests the potential for emotional distress or controversy, highlighting the importance of tact. When using "a sensitive thing", it is crucial to be mindful of your audience and the specific context to avoid misinterpretations or causing offense. Alternatives such as "a delicate matter" or "a touchy subject" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate matter

Replaces "thing" with "matter", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

a touchy subject

Substitutes "sensitive" with "touchy" and "thing" with "subject", suggesting a potentially controversial topic.

a difficult issue

Focuses on the problematic nature of the "thing", highlighting the challenge it presents.

a problematic area

Emphasizes the potential for problems or conflict within a specific domain.

a thorny question

Implies a challenging or complex query that requires careful consideration.

a tricky situation

Highlights the potential for complications or difficulties in a given circumstance.

a precarious situation

Indicates a state of instability or uncertainty that requires careful management.

a vulnerable point

Focuses on a specific weakness or susceptibility to harm.

a confidential matter

Emphasizes the private or secret nature of the issue.

a personal issue

Indicates that the "thing" is specific to an individual and requires discretion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensitive thing" to describe a topic, situation, or issue that requires careful handling. For example, "Discussing personal finances can be "a sensitive thing"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a sensitive thing"?

Alternatives include "a delicate matter", "a touchy subject", or "a difficult issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a sensitive thing"?

No, it's important to consider the context and whether the term accurately reflects the situation. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and may be perceived as dismissive.

What makes a topic "a sensitive thing"?

A topic becomes "a sensitive thing" when it has the potential to cause emotional distress, offense, or controversy due to its personal, cultural, or ethical implications.