are uniquely sensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are uniquely sensitive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific sensitivity or responsiveness to certain factors or stimuli that is distinct or exceptional. Example: "Certain species of plants are uniquely sensitive to changes in soil pH, which affects their growth and health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The films of the late French director Eric Rohmer — not just a prime filmmaker of the French New Wave but, as a crucial critic and programmer in postwar Paris and an editor at Cahiers du Cinéma, its spearhead — are uniquely sensitive to the climate and the seasons.

The New Yorker

In this context, it is significant that human spermatozoa are uniquely sensitive to oxidative stress for a variety of reasons.

Plosone

It is not known why the ameloblasts responsible for dental enamel formation are uniquely sensitive to fluoride (F−).

Plosone

These findings reveal the existence of a class of eIF4G-dependent mRNAs that are uniquely sensitive to overall eIF4G levels.

Plosone

The K562 cells used in this study are uniquely sensitive to NK cells and therefore may not be representative of most human cancers.

Plosone

While mammalian cells are sensitive to the levels of both LMNA and LMNB1 gene expression, Drosophila are uniquely sensitive to overexpression of lam.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

She writes with beauty, wisdom and humour and she is uniquely sensitive to what is being communicated with every look or jerk of the body.

The Guardian - Books

Marchi was uniquely sensitive to and supportive of CUNY's overall vital educational mission, its urban orientation and its place in the national marketplace of public higher education.

The New York Times

In a year when we commemorate the first world war, Kate McLoughlin's book Authoring war shows how the literary form is uniquely "sensitive to the fragmenting effects that war has on individual lives, communities, the body, and the environment".

The Guardian

China has strict gun controls, so the attackers used cleavers and hammers, and the killings terrified a public that, because of the one-child policy, is uniquely sensitive to school violence.

The New Yorker

Justin Foster, a researcher at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area in south central Texas, said Australian research showed that hogs were "uniquely sensitive" to sodium nitrite, and he added that researchers were investigating its effects on nontarget species in Texas, like deer and raccoons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are uniquely sensitive to", ensure you clearly specify what entities are sensitive and to what stimuli or conditions they react. For example, instead of saying "the cells are uniquely sensitive", specify "the cancer cells are uniquely sensitive to glucose-deprivation".

Common error

Avoid using "are uniquely sensitive to" without adequate context or evidence. Saying "humans are uniquely sensitive to environmental changes" is too broad; specify which populations or physiological systems exhibit this sensitivity and to which specific environmental factors they react.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are uniquely sensitive to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the quality of the subject noun. It indicates a heightened or specific sensitivity toward a particular stimulus or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are uniquely sensitive to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, especially within scientific and news media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to highlight a distinctive responsiveness or vulnerability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify what is sensitive and to what it is sensitive, avoiding overly broad statements. Alternatives include phrases such as "are particularly susceptible to" or "are especially responsive to", each carrying slightly different connotations. The frequency is high, with most examples originating from scientific sources like PlosOne and Environmental Health Perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are especially responsive to

Substitutes "sensitive" with "responsive", highlighting a reaction to a stimulus.

are particularly susceptible to

Replaces "sensitive" with "susceptible", emphasizing vulnerability rather than responsiveness.

are uniquely vulnerable to

Highlights a specific weakness or susceptibility.

are selectively responsive to

Highlights that the response is limited to specific stimuli.

are highly reactive to

Focuses on the intensity of the reaction to a specific stimulus.

are singularly affected by

Stresses the isolation or uniqueness of the effect.

are keenly attuned to

Emphasizes a fine-tuned awareness of subtle changes.

are acutely aware of

Shifts the focus to awareness rather than a physical reaction.

are distinctly affected by

Focuses on the impact or influence something has.

are exceptionally perceptive of

Emphasizes the ability to notice or understand something easily.

FAQs

How to use "are uniquely sensitive to" in a sentence?

Use "are uniquely sensitive to" to describe something that has a heightened or specific reaction to something else. For example: "Certain types of bacteria are uniquely sensitive to antibiotics."

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

You can use alternatives like "are particularly susceptible to", "are especially responsive to", or "are highly reactive to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "are uniquely sensitive to" and "are particularly sensitive to"?

"Are uniquely sensitive to" suggests a sensitivity that is distinct from others, whereas "are particularly sensitive to" simply indicates a high degree of sensitivity without necessarily implying it is unique.

Is it correct to say "is uniquely sensitive to" or should I always use "are uniquely sensitive to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is uniquely sensitive to" for singular subjects (e.g., "This sensor is uniquely sensitive to light") and "are uniquely sensitive to" for plural subjects (e.g., "These sensors are uniquely sensitive to light").