as sensitive as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sensitive as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's sensitivity to something else, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. Example: "He is as sensitive as a newborn baby when it comes to criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

They have not yet found a machine as sensitive as a dog's nose.

The New Yorker

Nighy, as sensitive as a seismograph, approaches them with a shudder.

The New Yorker

You get the same finely weighted steering, as sensitive as a Bennington poetry major.

The New York Times

The assay was more specific, and at least as sensitive as a commercial assay, and allowed direct sequencing of amplicons.

Journal of Virological Methods

Today, due to the humid atmosphere, many of the painted surfaces are as sensitive as a membrane and could easily be wiped off with a rag.

The Guardian - Arts

She is as sensitive as a nerve-end to the slighted female whom Higgins and Pickering are handling like litmus paper.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

For the Mexican government, few things are as sensitive as an American pointing out lost territory.

The New York Times

CMC-001 is as sensitive as an extensive intravenous gadobenate dimeglumine protocol in detecting CRLM.

European Radiology

In all studies presented here a DTGS detector was used, although this type of detector is not as sensitive as an MCT detector it does not suffer from this experimental disadvantage.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Nowadays, it also stands at the center of a fight over how multinational companies should extract oil and gas along a shoreline as sensitive as any in Alaska.

The New York Times

Although cDNA A-CGH is known not as sensitive as BAC A-CGH for the detection of low level of DNA copy number changes, currently we are able to obtain the comparable detection by using the probabilistic approach.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as sensitive as a", ensure that the comparison is clear and contributes meaningfully to the description. For instance, specify what makes the subject sensitive and how it relates to the comparison.

Common error

Avoid relying on overused or generic comparisons (e.g., "as sensitive as a flower"). Instead, opt for more original and precise comparisons that provide greater insight into the subject's sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sensitive as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree of sensitivity of something by comparing it to something else. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and frequently found in several contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as sensitive as a" serves as a versatile tool for comparison, highlighting the degree of reactivity or vulnerability in a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general writing. While the phrase is commonly used, it is crucial to avoid clichés and specify the comparison for a more meaningful description. Consider alternatives such as "equally responsive to" or "just as perceptive as" depending on the intended nuance. By using precise language and avoiding overused comparisons, writers can effectively communicate the intended level of sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally responsive to

Emphasizes a similar level of responsiveness, focusing on reaction rather than inherent sensitivity.

just as perceptive as

Highlights the level of perception; not necessarily the emotional response.

on par with in sensitivity

Focuses on equality in sensitivity level.

comparably тонкій to

Uses 'comparably' which emphasizes the degree of sensitivity and тонкій translates to delicate or subtle

almost as affected by

Changes the focus to being affected by something, implying sensitivity through reaction.

shares the same tenderness with

Uses 'tenderness' to refer sensitivity to gentleness and affection.

reacts with comparable emotion to

Shifts the focus to emotional reaction, implying sensitivity through visible response.

displays equivalent awareness to

Emphasizes awareness, suggesting sensitivity through heightened perception.

feels things just as deeply as

Focuses on the depth of feeling, implying sensitivity through emotional intensity.

shows similar vulnerability to

Highlights vulnerability, suggesting sensitivity through susceptibility to harm.

FAQs

How can I use "as sensitive as a" in a sentence?

The phrase "as sensitive as a" is used to compare the sensitivity of one thing to another. For example, "His skin is "as sensitive as a" baby's skin after using the wrong product".

What are some alternatives to saying "as sensitive as a"?

Alternatives to "as sensitive as a" include "equally responsive to", "just as perceptive as", or "on par with in sensitivity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as sensitive as a"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but ensure that the comparison is logical and clear. Avoid vague comparisons that don't add meaningful information.

What is the difference between "as sensitive as a" and "as delicate as a"?

"As sensitive as a" implies a heightened responsiveness or reactivity, while "as delicate as a" suggests fragility or vulnerability. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize reactivity or fragility.