are sensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sensitive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's or a group's awareness or responsiveness to certain issues, feelings, or conditions. Example: "Teachers are sensitive to the emotional needs of their students, ensuring a supportive learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are sensitive to charges of scaremongering.

The Economist

We are sensitive to your greatness.

The New Yorker

British ministers are sensitive to these concerns.

The Economist

"We are sensitive to the networks' needs".

The New York Times

The French are sensitive to this.

The Economist

Instead, they are sensitive to light.

The Economist

Corporations are sensitive to these issues".

The Guardian

Newcomers are sensitive to their own impact.

The New York Times - Style

We are sensitive to the community".

The New York Times

We are sensitive to those issues".

The New York Times

Sea turtles are sensitive to numerous effects of warming.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if you wish to emphasise agency or intentionality. For example, instead of "are sensitive to feedback", try using "respond thoughtfully to feedback".

Common error

Avoid using "are sensitive to" excessively, especially in close proximity within a text. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "responsive", "susceptible", or "attuned" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sensitive to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's capacity to be easily affected or influenced by something. It expresses a state of being receptive or reactive to particular stimuli or conditions. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are sensitive to" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase that indicates a state of responsiveness, awareness, or susceptibility. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It finds frequent use in scientific, news, and formal business contexts to highlight the potential impact of various factors. While primarily neutral to formal in tone, its usage can vary based on the surrounding text. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms to avoid redundancy and clearly specify the subject's responsiveness. A common mistake is overusing the phrase, so remember to maintain sentence variety by occasionally rephrasing with options like "are responsive to" or "are susceptible to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are responsive to

Emphasizes reaction or response to something, suggesting a direct effect.

are susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or a tendency to be affected negatively.

are attuned to

Focuses on being finely aware or receptive to subtle signals or changes.

are conscious of

Indicates an awareness or recognition of a particular fact or issue.

are vulnerable to

Stresses the potential for harm or negative impact from something.

are aware of

Implies knowledge or perception of something.

are receptive to

Indicates an openness or willingness to consider or accept something.

are prone to

Suggests a tendency or inclination towards something, often negative.

are affected by

Focuses on the impact or influence that something has.

react to

Highlights the action or response triggered by a specific stimulus.

FAQs

How can I use "are sensitive to" in a sentence?

Use "are sensitive to" to describe how something or someone is easily affected by or aware of something else. For instance, "Plants "are sensitive to" changes in light levels".

What can I say instead of "are sensitive to"?

You can use alternatives like "are responsive to", "are susceptible to", or "are attuned to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are sensitive to" or "are sensitive of"?

"Are sensitive to" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Are sensitive of" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "are sensitive to" and "are aware of"?

"Are sensitive to" implies a degree of responsiveness or impact, while "are aware of" simply means having knowledge or perception. For example, you might be aware of a problem without being particularly sensitive to its effects.