be sensitive about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sensitive about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to be considerate or aware of someone's feelings or circumstances regarding a particular topic. Example: "When discussing personal issues, it's important to be sensitive about the feelings of others involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not something we need to amplify, it's something we've got to be sensitive about".

BBC

You have to be sensitive about religious issues.

The Guardian

Men have to be sensitive about their role, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was too interesting to even be sensitive about.

The Guardian - Film

In short: the country has good reason to be sensitive about trampled sovereignty.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You will be sensitive about the Philip Green thing, won't you?" she asks.

The Guardian - Sport

How 'Mad' Are You? tries to be sensitive about mental illness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I asked Zarif why Iranians are not sensitive to the things that they want Americans to be sensitive about.

The New Yorker

Critics of the triple zero have reason to be sensitive about the issue of size in women's clothing.

The New Yorker

"We haven't got infinite space and you have got to be sensitive about where you put these things.

Independent

And if you're cherry-picking among co-workers, ask the invited ones to be sensitive about this, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing sensitive topics, prioritize empathy and understanding to ensure your communication is respectful and considerate.

Common error

Avoid generalizations or assumptions when discussing sensitive matters; acknowledge the nuances and individual experiences involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sensitive about" functions as a directive or recommendation, urging caution and empathy when dealing with certain topics or individuals. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It suggests a proactive approach to avoid causing offense or distress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be sensitive about" serves as a crucial reminder to approach interactions with empathy and awareness, particularly when discussing delicate subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. The phrase encourages consideration of others' feelings and circumstances to foster respectful communication. With a neutral register and high frequency across news, science, and business contexts, it underscores the importance of thoughtful engagement in various scenarios. Remember to prioritize understanding and avoid generalizations to ensure effective and respectful dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considerate of

This alternative highlights the aspect of showing thoughtfulness and respect in one's actions or words.

be mindful of

This phrase emphasizes being aware and attentive to the potential impact of one's behavior or decisions.

show understanding for

This highlights the empathetic aspect of being aware of and responding to someone's feelings or situation.

exercise discretion regarding

This suggests using careful judgment to avoid causing offense or harm.

be responsive to

Focuses on reacting appropriately and with care to someone's needs or concerns.

take into account

This alternative focuses on considering all relevant factors before forming a judgment or taking action.

be aware of

Focuses on the knowledge and understanding of a particular situation or viewpoint.

respect

A more direct way of saying to value someone's feelings and boundaries.

have regard for

This suggests holding something in high esteem and acting accordingly.

handle with care

This metaphorically suggests dealing with a delicate or sensitive matter with gentleness.

FAQs

How can I use "be sensitive about" in a sentence?

You can use "be sensitive about" when you want to express the need to show consideration or awareness toward a person's feelings or a particular subject. For example, "It's important to be sensitive about cultural differences".

What are some alternatives to "be sensitive about"?

Alternatives include "be considerate of", "be mindful of", or "show understanding for", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be sensitive about"?

It's appropriate to use "be sensitive about" in situations where you need to emphasize the importance of being aware of and responsive to someone's feelings, beliefs, or circumstances. This often applies to discussions about potentially controversial or personal topics.

How does "be sensitive about" differ from "be aware of"?

"Be aware of" implies a general knowledge or understanding, while "be sensitive about" suggests a deeper level of empathy and consideration. Being sensitive involves not only knowing but also responding appropriately to potential emotional impacts.