be delicate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be delicate with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advising someone to handle a situation or object carefully or sensitively. Example: "Please be delicate with the fragile vase." Alternative expressions include "handle with care" and "tread lightly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Authorities did not say whether the women had been sexually assaulted and added that, given the trauma of what the women had endured, they were trying to be delicate with their investigation.

The Guardian

This is not a sport watch my friends, something that you are wise to be delicate with.

TechCrunch

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Vice

I'm trying to be delicate with you, but you're not understanding me.

Huffington Post

I know our president has so many things to deal with -- an entire planet of problems -- and that he needs to be delicate with so many issues, but really, just take the pen and sign gay marriage into law already.

Huffington Post

Halfway through the examination, as I'm perusing her anal cavity trying to be delicate with what could otherwise be termed a torture device, she turns around to me and says, "I run an S&M parlour and my clients would kill for this.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He is delicate with surfaces of water and hidden depths.

The Guardian

This crust is not flaky but is delicate with a richness that comes through more in flavor than in heft.

The New York Times - Food

At the same time, she is delicate, with the hesitation of one who thinks about everything she says.

The Guardian - Books

Gomen, stewed greens, are potently bitter and aromatic, while misir wot, a lentil stew seasoned with berbere, a classic spice mixture, is delicate with a pleasant underlying heat.

The New York Times

But she was delicate with the lyrics, and she showed off a voice that moved in all sorts of ways, without ever appearing to strain.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, use it to describe the need for diplomatic investigation or sensitive management of staff.

Common error

Avoid substituting "with" for "to" when the intent is to describe the manner of handling. Writing "be delicate to the situation" is often a mistake for "be delicate with the situation" or "be sensitive to the situation". Always ensure "with" is used to denote the object being handled or treated.

Linguistic Context

This is a verb phrase used primarily in the imperative or infinitive mood. It functions as a directive or a recommendation. In the context of Ludwig AI examples, it often serves to modify the action of handling an object or navigating a social situation, establishing a specific manner of conduct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be delicate with" is a versatile and grammatically Correct expression used to advise careful handling of both physical objects and abstract social situations. According to Ludwig AI data, it is particularly prevalent in high-quality journalism and instructional writing, where precision and sensitivity are paramount. Whether you are discussing a "delicate investigation" in a news report or advising someone to "be delicate with" a fragile antique, the phrase effectively communicates the need for nuance and caution. While common alternatives like "be gentle with" exist, choosing "be delicate with" adds a layer of sophistication, suggesting that the matter at hand is not just weak, but intricate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be gentle with

Provides a more common and slightly more informal alternative suitable for both people and objects.

handle with care

A more standard idiomatic expression often used specifically for physical items or processes.

tread lightly with

Focuses more on metaphorical caution and avoiding negative consequences in sensitive social situations.

be sensitive toward

Shifts the focus specifically toward emotional awareness and empathy rather than general care.

exercise tact with

Emphasizes the communication aspect of being delicate, particularly in diplomacy or difficult conversations.

proceed with caution regarding

A more formal and clinical way to suggest handling a matter delicately within a professional context.

be mindful of

Focuses on the psychological awareness required when dealing with something or someone.

show discretion with

Specific to being delicate regarding private information or judgmental decisions.

go easy on

An informal alternative that suggests leniency or reduced pressure.

approach with nuance

Emphasizes the need for complex and careful understanding rather than just gentle handling.

FAQs

How to use "be delicate with" in a sentence?

You can use "be delicate with" to advise care, such as "Please be delicate with the fragile glass" or "We must be delicate with the negotiations to avoid a conflict".

What can I say instead of "be delicate with"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "be gentle with", "handle with care", or "tread carefully".

Is "be delicate with" appropriate for professional emails?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate. For example, you might write, "We should be delicate with how we deliver the feedback to the client" to suggest a professional and tactful approach.

What is the difference between "be delicate with" and "be gentle with"?

While often interchangeable, "be delicate with" usually implies a higher level of fragility or intricacy in the object or subject, whereas "be gentle with" is a broader term for avoiding force.