become sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a change in emotional or physical responsiveness to stimuli or situations. Example: "After the incident, she began to become sensitive to criticism from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If high-resolution sensitivity is carried out, they would become sensitive to inversion.

Petroleum Science

Some experience sensitivity to noise, others lose their balance, and still others become sensitive to bright light.

The New York Times - Health

his eyes become sensitive.

The Guardian - Books

When you step outside that space, things can become sensitive".

The Guardian - Books

Officials have apparently become sensitive to the decline.

The New York Times - Sports

You become sensitive to something that's very hard to define".

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly, things that did not seem all that unusual a few weeks ago have become sensitive".

The New York Times

"Nothing happens the first 25 times, but people become sensitive," he said.

The New York Times

Still, they have become sensitive to charges that the homeless are being sent into unsafe conditions.

The New York Times

Mr. Corzine's advisers say he has become sensitive to criticism of his campaign spending.

The New York Times

Both urban aid and transportation have become sensitive political issues in this election year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become sensitive" to describe a change in sensory perception, emotional responsiveness, or physical reaction. Ensure that the context clarifies whether this change is positive or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "become sensitive" without specifying the object of sensitivity. Saying 'He became sensitive' is vague. Instead, clarify with 'He became sensitive to criticism' for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become sensitive" functions primarily as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with an adjective describing a state of increased responsiveness. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, indicating a change in physical, emotional, or political awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become sensitive" is a versatile expression used to describe a shift towards increased responsiveness or awareness across physical, emotional, and contextual dimensions. Grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register allows for application in diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. The related phrases such as "develop sensitivity" and "grow sensitive" offer nuanced alternatives, while remembering to specify the object of sensitivity is crucial for clarity. Mastering the use of "become sensitive" enhances one's ability to articulate evolving perceptions and reactions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop sensitivity

Emphasizes a gradual increase in sensitivity over time.

grow sensitive

Suggests a natural progression towards increased sensitivity.

heighten awareness

Focuses on increasing conscious perception of something.

sharpen perception

Highlights improving the clarity and accuracy of sensory input.

increase susceptibility

Indicates a rise in vulnerability to certain influences.

gain awareness

Focuses on acquiring knowledge or understanding.

get sensitized

Implies a process of becoming reactive to a stimulus.

be more responsive

Emphasizes increased reaction to external stimuli.

be attuned

Suggests aligning with or becoming receptive to something.

acclimatize oneself

Focuses on adapting to a new environment or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "become sensitive" to describe a change in someone's reaction or awareness. For example, "After the treatment, her skin "became sensitive" to sunlight" or "He "became sensitive" to the needs of others after volunteering".

What's a good alternative to "become sensitive"?

Alternatives include "develop sensitivity", "grow sensitive", or "heighten awareness", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become more sensitive"?

Yes, "become more sensitive" is grammatically correct and emphasizes a gradual increase in sensitivity. It is often used to describe a progressive change in perception or reaction.

What does it mean when something "becomes sensitive"?

When something "becomes sensitive", it means it has developed a heightened responsiveness or reactivity to a particular stimulus or condition. This could be physical, emotional, or even technical, depending on the context.