can be sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics, issues, or situations that may evoke strong emotions or reactions from individuals. Example: "When discussing mental health, it's important to remember that the subject can be sensitive for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Questions about income and lifestyle can be sensitive.

Columbia University

Even between members of a close-knit family, these matters can be sensitive.

The New Yorker

You need to say, no, a game can be sensitive to the material".

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Collins's strokes can be rushed and haphazard, or they can be sensitive and precise.

The New York Times

Ganassi can be sensitive, though her voice is not quite what it was.

The Guardian - Music

It's because it can be sensitive, uncomfortable or intimidating to understand.

The Washington Post

However, one can be sensitive to the suffering of indigenous peoples without sacrificing universal values.

Princeton University

Financial instruments can be sensitive to different points on the curve.

Cornell University

Malaysia is a multiethnic state where racial, cultural and religious issues can be sensitive.

The New York Times

It shows that the capital's police chief, Enrique Salgado, can be sensitive to public pressure.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Men, presumed good on those guy issues, have to prove they can be sensitive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with sensitive topics, use the phrase "can be sensitive" to acknowledge potential emotional responses or vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sensitive" as a standalone statement. Always specify what exactly is sensitive and why to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sensitive" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential or possibility. It suggests that something has the capacity to evoke strong emotions or reactions. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be sensitive" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the potential for a subject or situation to elicit strong emotional responses. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to clarify what is sensitive and why. Alternative phrases such as "may be delicate" or "can be touchy" offer subtle variations in meaning. This phrase appears commonly across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its broad relevance and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be easily affected

Emphasizes the potential for being readily influenced or impacted.

can be easily influenced

Highlights the susceptibility to external factors or opinions.

might react strongly

Focuses on the potential for a powerful response or emotional display.

could be deeply affected

Implies a profound and significant impact on someone or something.

may be particularly responsive

Stresses the ability to react quickly and noticeably to certain stimuli.

can be easily upset

Highlights the potential for emotional distress or annoyance.

might be easily offended

Focuses on the potential for causing displeasure or hurt feelings.

can be strongly impacted

Highlights the magnitude of the potential effect.

could demonstrate heightened awareness

Focuses on increased perception and reactivity to specific stimuli.

may exhibit increased reactivity

Indicates a tendency to respond more readily or intensely to specific situations.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be sensitive" is used to indicate that a topic, issue, or person is prone to evoking strong emotions or reactions. For example: "Questions about income and lifestyle "can be sensitive"."

What can I say instead of "can be sensitive"?

You can use alternatives like "may be delicate", "can be touchy", or "is potentially sensitive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be sensitive" or "may be sensitive"?

Both "can be sensitive" and "may be sensitive" are grammatically correct. "Can" indicates a general possibility, while "may" suggests a slightly lower probability or a more conditional sensitivity.

What's the difference between "can be sensitive" and "is sensitive"?

"Can be sensitive" indicates a potential for sensitivity, suggesting that the sensitivity isn't always present or guaranteed. "Is sensitive" implies a more constant or inherent state of sensitivity.