became sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in someone's emotional or physical state, indicating that they have started to react more strongly to certain stimuli or situations. Example: "After the incident, she became sensitive to criticism and found it hard to accept feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said he became sensitive to historic preservation when he witnessed a wrecking ball destroying the original Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan in 1963.

The New York Times

I became sensitive to bright lights.

The New Yorker

Soon, each became sensitive to the other's eccentricities and sleep patterns.

The New York Times

Mrs. Bloomberg said her son became sensitive to prejudice at a young age.

The New York Times

But, after NAFTA, Democrats became sensitive to the charge that they were abandoning their roots.

The New Yorker

Always anxious to please, men changed and became sensitive and emotionally open.

The New York Times

After 2009, Iranian officials became sensitive towards online services, going as far as labelling Google a spying tool.

The Guardian

When his teeth became sensitive, he switched to over-the-counter whitening strips, which use less bleach.

The New York Times

"One of the things we became sensitive to is that there are large percentages of high-needs students in many of our suburban districts," he said.

The New York Times

Because Paoli is adjacent to the more affluent Main Line of Philadelphia, I became sensitive at an early age to class differences and racial dissonance.

The New York Times

Westerners became sensitive to the image of faceless Muslim women largely through the use of the burqa by the Taliban to oppress women in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became sensitive" to describe a change in someone's or something's reaction to a stimulus, whether physical or emotional. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject became sensitive to.

Common error

While "became sensitive" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider more precise alternatives like "developed a sensitivity" or "exhibited heightened responsiveness" for improved clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became sensitive" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in condition, specifically an increased responsiveness or susceptibility to certain stimuli or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became sensitive" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the development of increased responsiveness or awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s versatile and applicable across numerous contexts, predominantly in science and news media. While its usage is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing for enhanced precision. It’s important to specify what the subject became sensitive to for clarity. Overall, understanding its nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew susceptible

Indicates a gradual increase in vulnerability or receptiveness.

developed a sensitivity

Highlights the formation of a specific sensitivity or reaction.

became responsive

Suggests increased reaction to stimuli or external influences.

started reacting

Focuses on the commencement of a reaction or response to something.

awakened to

Implies a sudden realization or awareness of something previously unnoticed.

became attuned

Signifies becoming more synchronized or in harmony with something.

turned receptive

Indicates a change in attitude toward openness and acceptance.

was sensitized

Highlights the process of being made sensitive through exposure or experience.

became aware

Simply states that awareness has been achieved, which is often a component of heightened sensitivity.

acquired a taste

Denotes developing a liking or preference, which can involve increased sensitivity to specific flavors or experiences.

FAQs

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

The phrase "became sensitive" is used to describe when someone or something starts to react more strongly to stimuli. Example: "After the surgery, he "became sensitive" to light."

What are some alternatives to "became sensitive"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "grew susceptible", "developed a sensitivity", or "became responsive" as alternatives to "became sensitive".

Is it correct to say "became sensitive to"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The preposition "to" typically follows "became sensitive" to specify the stimulus or condition to which someone or something is now reacting.

What is the difference between "became sensitive" and "was sensitized"?

"Became sensitive" generally implies a natural or gradual change, while "was sensitized" often suggests the change was induced or caused by a specific event or exposure.