are especially touchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are especially touchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or a group that is sensitive or easily offended about a particular topic or situation. Example: "When discussing politics, my friends are especially touchy, so I try to avoid the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Vacations are especially touchy.

The New York Times

The areas of politics and religion are especially touchy topics to satirize, as are social institutions deeply routed in cultural and historic practice.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even by the politically sensitive standards of antitrust regulation, the Telecom deal is especially touchy for the Justice Department.

The New York Times

The second task was especially touchy, as N.Y.U.'s expansion angered many of its Greenwich Village neighbors.

The New York Times

Given that Indians in general live with a belief, often unsupported by empirical evidence, in their intellectual superiority, the subject of Bengali geniuses can be especially touchy.

The New York Times

Mrs Kibaki is especially touchy on the subject of Mrs Wambui, even though polygamy is legally and socially acceptable in Kenya.

The Guardian

It can be especially touchy if scientists who see themselves as objective judges of scientific merit and talent need to grapple with their own racial biases.

Forbes

This was especially touchy since some of those marriage definitions involve state constitutional amendments approved by voters.

Los Angeles Times

People at sporting events may be especially touchy.

WikiHow

One was particularly touchy.

The New York Times

Being seen around the nursery school has been an especially touchy subject for Mr. Grubman since news reports that he had boasted in an e-mail message that his former boss, Sanford I. Weill, the chairman of Citigroup, had helped secure spots at the nursery school for his two children after Mr. Grubman began recommending that investors buy AT&T stock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing sensitive topics, preface your statements by acknowledging the potential for disagreement or hurt feelings to soften the impact.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations about groups of people being "especially touchy" on certain topics. Instead, acknowledge individual differences and approach conversations with empathy and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are especially touchy" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a heightened sensitivity or potential for offense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are especially touchy" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to denote heightened sensitivity or potential for offense around particular subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase finds prevalence in news and media, as well as in wiki content, suggesting its relevance across diverse communicative landscapes. While the phrase is useful for preparing an audience for potential disagreement or controversy, one should be mindful of the context and audience. When sensitivity is key, employing alternative phrases like "are particularly sensitive" or "are notably delicate" can offer a softer approach. Generalizations should also be avoided, and communication approached with empathy and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are particularly sensitive

Emphasizes sensitivity and the need for careful handling.

are notably delicate

Highlights the fragility and potential for disruption.

are highly susceptible

Focuses on vulnerability and potential for negative reactions.

are prone to offense

Directly indicates a tendency to take things personally.

are quick to take offense

Highlights the speed with which someone might get offended.

are easily irritated

Focuses on the ease with which something can cause frustration.

are inclined to be defensive

Highlights a tendency to protect oneself from perceived threats.

are responsive to criticism

Focuses on being aware of or reacting to negative feedback.

are acutely aware

Emphasizes a heightened sensitivity and responsiveness to certain stimuli.

are very opinionated

Indicates a strong and inflexible adherence to certain opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "are especially touchy" in a sentence?

You can use "are especially touchy" to describe individuals or groups that are sensitive or easily offended regarding a particular topic. For example, "Vacations "are especially touchy"".

What are some alternatives to "are especially touchy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are particularly sensitive", "are notably delicate", or "are highly susceptible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say something or someone "are especially touchy"?

No, it's important to consider the context and your relationship with the person or group you're describing. It's generally best to avoid using the phrase in a way that could be perceived as dismissive or disrespectful.

Which is the correct "are especially touchy" or "is especially touchy"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a plural subject or a singular subject. Use "are especially touchy" for plural subjects and "is especially touchy" for singular ones.