a very sensitive tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very sensitive tool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tool that requires careful handling or is easily affected by external factors. Example: "When working with the new software, remember that it is a very sensitive tool that can easily malfunction if not used properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In conclusion, single-molecule fluorescence methods proved to be a very sensitive tool to localize with high spatial resolution and single turnover sensitivity the activity of acidic zeolite domains within a hierarchically structured, industrially used FCC catalyst particle.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

It is a very sensitive tool for classifying patients with suspected acute appendicitis [20, 23].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

The RELS spectroscopy has been found as a very sensitive tool for studying interparticle interactions.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

The Itfluence of misrostructure, precursor chain length and their molar mass distribution as well as of the crosslinknownsithatn the transverse relaxation andeuteronformatioNMRehavisur were studied.

Polymer

The low-temperature PL spectroscopy is a very sensitive tool for characterizing acceptor/donor impurities and is helpful to understand the optical and electrical performances of the materials.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We also found that 18F-FDG PET technology is a very sensitive tool to show the effect of pharmacologic action on specific target organ.

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The CPA was found to be a rapid and very sensitive tool that can be used by poorly equipped laboratories.

Archives of Virology

22 Although this is a preliminary study, our findings support the point of view that robotic devices can contribute significantly to our understanding of motor functions since they provide a reliable and very sensitive tool to quantify motor functions.

Clinical interventions in aging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very sensitive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Research

T2-weighted MRI sequences with fat-suppression techniques were demonstrated to be a very sensitive diagnostic tool at the initial and follow-up examinations.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Conclusions: US is a very sensitive and specific tool for the selection of patients with testicular rupture that require immediate surgical exploration.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a tool as "a very sensitive tool", be specific about what it is sensitive to. Clearly state the factors or conditions that affect its performance or accuracy to provide more context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a very sensitive tool" without explaining why or in what context. This can lead to ambiguity and reduce the impact of your statement. Always provide examples or specific details to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very sensitive tool" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun ("tool") and indicates a high degree of responsiveness or precision. Ludwig provides examples where it describes instruments, methods, or even abstract strategies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very sensitive tool" is a phrase used to describe something highly responsive or precise, often requiring careful handling. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and most common in scientific and technical contexts, although it also appears in news and media. While the phrase is generally positive, implying accuracy and effectiveness, it can also suggest fragility. When using "a very sensitive tool", it is important to provide context and specify what the tool is sensitive to in order to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "highly responsive instrument" or "finely tuned mechanism" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly responsive instrument

Emphasizes the instrument's quick reaction to changes or stimuli.

a finely tuned mechanism

Highlights the precision and careful adjustment of the tool.

a remarkably accurate device

Focuses on the tool's ability to provide precise results.

an extremely delicate instrument

Stresses the fragility and need for careful handling.

a precise diagnostic method

Specifically relates to tools used for diagnosis, highlighting their accuracy.

an exceptionally perceptive technique

Highlights the tool's ability to detect subtle differences or changes.

a particularly acute means

Emphasizes the sharpness and effectiveness of the tool.

a highly discerning method

Highlights the tool's ability to differentiate between similar items.

a very responsive apparatus

Similar to "instrument" but implies a more complex setup.

an exquisitely sensitive sensor

Specifically describes a sensor with very high sensitivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very sensitive tool" to describe something that is easily affected by external factors or requires careful handling. For example, "The new sensor is "a very sensitive tool" for detecting even the slightest changes in temperature."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very sensitive tool"?

Alternatives include "highly responsive instrument", "finely tuned mechanism", or "remarkably accurate device", depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a very sensitive tool"?

Not necessarily. While sensitivity can be advantageous, it can also imply fragility or a tendency to be easily disrupted. The connotation depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

In what contexts is "a very sensitive tool" commonly used?

This phrase is often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts to describe instruments or methods that are highly responsive to specific stimuli or changes. It's also used metaphorically to describe something requiring careful or delicate handling.