a very sensitive lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very sensitive lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are easily affected by emotions or reactions. Example: "The audience was a very sensitive lot, reacting strongly to the emotional scenes in the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're not all "a very sensitive lot".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a very important topic and it's a very sensitive topic because a lot of good people disagree on the issue.

The New York Times

"He knew her quite well and knew she was a very sensitive person, horrified by a lot of things and politics," says Renner, now 30.

Los Angeles Times

"This is a very sensitive political subject and there's a lot of hypocrisy there," says Santos.

The Guardian

This is a very sensitive and much-debated topic in Italy; a lot of times, wiretapping has been used to expose political corruption, for instance.

Vice

Fate is a very subtle, a very sensitive system.

The Guardian - Books

Tonight, he repeated that admonition to Israelis generally, telling Israeli reporters, "We are facing a very sensitive time with very intricate tasks, very complicated, and this is something that dictates a lot of quiet and self-confidence".

The New York Times

It is a very sensitive issue.

Forbes

"It's a very sensitive subject.

The New York Times

This is a very sensitive topic.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a very sensitive situation".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group as "a very sensitive lot", be mindful of the potential for generalization. Provide specific examples to illustrate their sensitivity rather than relying on the label alone.

Common error

Avoid using "a very sensitive lot" as a blanket statement without providing context or specific examples. This can lead to stereotyping and invalidate individual experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very sensitive lot" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a group of people characterized by their heightened emotional responsiveness. The single exact example in Ludwig showcases its use in describing cyclists, indicating a group perceived as easily affected.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very sensitive lot" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a group of people who are easily affected by emotions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and usable in English. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a highly sensitive group" or "an overly sensitive bunch", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly sensitive group

Replaces 'very' with 'highly', emphasizing the intensity of sensitivity.

an overly sensitive bunch

Uses 'overly' to suggest an excessive degree of sensitivity.

a particularly emotional group

Substitutes 'sensitive' with 'emotional', focusing on the expression of feelings.

a tenderhearted crowd

Replaces 'sensitive' with 'tenderhearted', indicating kindness and empathy.

a group prone to sentimentality

Focuses on the tendency to be sentimental, a characteristic of sensitive people.

a responsive audience

Highlights the group's responsiveness to external stimuli and emotions.

a thin-skinned community

Uses 'thin-skinned' as a metaphor for being easily hurt or offended.

a group easily moved to tears

Emphasizes the emotional vulnerability of the group.

a collection of empaths

Suggests a group of individuals with a strong ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

a susceptible gathering

Indicates a group that is easily influenced by emotions or external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "a very sensitive lot" in a sentence?

You can use "a very sensitive lot" to describe a group of people who are easily affected by emotions or reactions. For example, "The audience was "a very sensitive lot", reacting strongly to the emotional scenes in the play."

What are some alternatives to "a very sensitive lot"?

Alternatives include "a highly sensitive group", "an overly sensitive bunch", or "a particularly emotional group", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe people as "a very sensitive lot"?

While grammatically correct, it's essential to use this phrase with caution. Provide context and avoid generalizations to ensure you're not stereotyping or invalidating individual experiences. Consider alternative phrases like "a tenderhearted crowd".

What's the difference between "a very sensitive lot" and "an overly sensitive bunch"?

"A very sensitive lot" simply indicates a group is easily affected by emotions. "An overly sensitive bunch", on the other hand, suggests that their sensitivity is excessive or disproportionate to the situation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternative phrases include "a group prone to sentimentality".