be sensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be sensitive to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in situations where someone is being asked to consider the feelings or needs of others. Example: "As a leader, it is important to be sensitive to the needs of your team and to create a positive and inclusive work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sensitive to timing.

The New York Times

Be sensitive to wording differences among industries.

The New York Times

"Banks will be sensitive to it.

The New York Times

You have to be sensitive to that.

The Guardian

"That's what we should be sensitive to".

The New York Times - Arts

But we have to be sensitive to the issue".

The New York Times

When you do visit, be sensitive to: First impressions.

The Guardian

"It's got to be sensitive to culture and context".

The Guardian

Guards must also be sensitive to a client's whims.

The New York Times

You have to be sensitive to yourself and to others.

The Guardian - Sport

We have both got to be sensitive to these things".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sensitive to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject should be aware of and why it matters. For example, "When writing about sensitive topics, be sensitive to the potential impact on your audience."

Common error

Avoid using "be sensitive to" in contexts where a more specific action or understanding is required. For example, instead of saying "Be sensitive to the problem", specify the actions needed: "Analyze the problem thoroughly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sensitive to" primarily functions as a directive, urging the subject to exercise awareness, consideration, and empathy towards a particular issue, situation, or individual. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from interpersonal interactions to broader social and ethical considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sensitive to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that encourages awareness, consideration, and empathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Its usage ranges from everyday interactions to professional and ethical considerations. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. To avoid common pitfalls, ensure clarity in specifying the object of sensitivity and avoid overgeneralizing its scope. Consider alternatives like "be mindful of" or "be aware of" to fine-tune your message. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be sensitive to" to promote understanding and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mindful of

Replaces "sensitive" with "mindful", suggesting a conscious awareness and attentiveness.

be aware of

Emphasizes knowledge and consciousness of something, similar to being sensitive but less emotionally charged.

take into account

Focuses on considering something as a factor in decision-making or understanding.

pay attention to

Highlights the act of noticing and giving importance to something.

be responsive to

Suggests a readiness to react or respond appropriately to something.

be attuned to

Implies a fine-tuned awareness and understanding, often of subtle cues or signals.

be conscious of

Highlights awareness of something, often in a moral or ethical sense.

consider

A more general term for thinking about something, without necessarily implying sensitivity.

be cognizant of

A more formal way of saying "be aware of", emphasizing intellectual understanding.

show regard for

Indicates respect and consideration for someone or something.

FAQs

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

Use "be sensitive to" to express the need for awareness and consideration of something. For example: "It's important to be sensitive to cultural differences when traveling abroad."

What are some alternatives to "be sensitive to"?

You can use alternatives like "be mindful of", "be aware of", or "take into account", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be sensitive to" or "be sensible to"?

"Be sensitive to" and "be sensible to" have different meanings. "Be sensitive to" refers to awareness and consideration of feelings or needs, while "be sensible to" means being practical and reasonable about something.

What does it mean to "be sensitive to" something?

To "be sensitive to" something means to be aware of it and to consider its impact, especially in terms of its effects on people's feelings, needs, or well-being.