are squeamish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are squeamish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily disturbed or made uncomfortable by unpleasant sights, sounds, or situations. Example: "Many people are squeamish about blood, which can make medical procedures challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Republicans are squeamish about launching an attack.

The New York Times

Europeans are squeamish about warfare and armies.

The Economist

Some Asian countries are squeamish about the effect of non-traditional security on their sovereignty.

The Economist

We recommend not viewing if you are squeamish - it may offend.

Independent

Many fashion designers, you may have noticed, are squeamish about breasts.

The New York Times

Thus far Russia and China have balked at that; some Europeans are squeamish too.

The Economist

Even in Texas, government officials are squeamish about zapping a woman.

The New York Times

"People are squeamish, Tony Hancock's got a lot to answer for.

The Guardian - Books

To those who are squeamish about what he does, he says: "Never fear the dead.

The New York Times

If you are squeamish about the C-word, then don't listen to it.

The Guardian - Film

Sappho advised, "If you are squeamish, don't prod the beach rubble".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are squeamish", consider your audience and the context to ensure it's appropriate. It is often used when offering a disclaimer or warning.

Common error

While "are squeamish" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more precise and professional language, such as "sensitive to" or "easily disturbed", to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are squeamish" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's tendency to be easily bothered or upset. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating a common and understandable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are squeamish" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who is easily bothered or upset by unpleasant things. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in a variety of contexts, including news, academic writing, and informal conversation. While alternatives like "are easily disgusted" or "are easily disturbed" exist, "are squeamish" carries a specific nuance of queasiness or aversion. When using this phrase, it's important to consider your audience and the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are easily disturbed

General term for being bothered or disrupted emotionally.

are easily disgusted

Focuses specifically on disgust as the primary emotion.

are easily unsettled

Highlights the feeling of being disrupted or anxious.

are sensitive to

Highlights a heightened awareness or reaction to certain stimuli.

are overly sensitive

Emphasizes the excessive nature of the sensitivity.

are easily offended

Shifts the focus to being upset by something considered inappropriate.

find it unsettling

Focuses on the feeling of unease or disturbance that certain things provoke.

are easily nauseated

Specifically relates to feeling sick or queasy.

have a weak stomach

Idiomatic expression referring to sensitivity to unpleasant sights or situations.

are delicate

Suggests a vulnerability to emotional or physical discomfort.

FAQs

How to use "are squeamish" in a sentence?

You can use "are squeamish" to describe someone easily disturbed by unpleasant things. For example: "People who "are squeamish" about blood may not enjoy medical dramas."

What can I say instead of "are squeamish"?

You can use alternatives like "are easily disgusted", "are easily offended", or "are easily disturbed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are squeamish" or "is squeamish"?

"Are squeamish" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They "are squeamish""), while "is squeamish" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "He "is squeamish"").

What's the difference between "are squeamish" and "are sensitive"?

"Are squeamish" implies a feeling of slight disgust or queasiness, whereas "are sensitive" suggests a broader emotional or physical responsiveness. Therefore, they aren't always interchangeable.