deal with sensitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deal with sensitively" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to handling a situation or topic with care and consideration for the feelings of others. Example: "The manager must deal with sensitively the concerns raised by the employees." Alternative expressions include "handle with care" and "approach delicately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Screening at school, especially when it comes to weight issues, needs to be dealt with sensitively.

The Guardian

Tiger Lily's Native American heritage has not always been dealt with sensitively in subsequent adaptations of JM Barrie's story.

Independent

It said claims from people with a terminal illness were fast-tracked using special rules, and all were dealt with sensitively and compassionately.

The Guardian

He said this was not the first example of political scandals which could have been avoided if complaints had been dealt with sensitively and seriously.

The Guardian

Tiger Lily's Native American heritage has not always been dealt with sensitively in adaptations of Peter Pan, with Disney's much-loved animated film including the song "What Makes the Red Man Red".

Independent

"The message is really starting to get through, that this is something they should be dealing with sensitively and appropriately, but it all depends on the headteacher of the school.

The Guardian

Commander Hanstock said the police would consider the recommendations published today by the all-party group to ensure they were only stopping children and young people when they needed to and that they were dealt with sensitively and appropriately.

The Guardian

This is the sort of nuanced issue creator Chris Chibnall could have dealt with sensitively in his first series, but the snatched scene in which Jocelyn declares her undying love for newspaper editor Maggie over a glass of Merlot on top of the windy cliff top was laughably absurd.

Independent

"If we are to turn the tide in the fight against these awful crimes, it is vital that victims feel they will be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively at all levels of the justice system," she said.

BBC

In this situation, the family should be dealt with sensitively.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Each of these was perceived by the responders to have been understood and dealt with sensitively by the project team.

British Journal of General Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is particularly effective in the passive voice (e.g., 'the matter was dealt with sensitively') when the identity of the person handling the issue is less important than the care taken during the process.

Common error

Do not confuse 'sensitively' with 'sensibly'. While to "deal with sensitively" implies emotional intelligence and awareness of others' feelings, to 'deal with sensibly' implies using logic, practicality, and common sense. Ensure you choose the adverb that matches your intended focus: empathy versus efficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deal with sensitively" functions as a verb phrase (specifically a phrasal verb 'deal with') followed by an adverb of manner. In many instances found in Ludwig, the adverb is moved between the verb and the preposition (e.g., 'deal sensitively with') or placed after a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this construction is standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deal with sensitively" is an essential tool in English for describing the careful management of delicate topics. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and widely used expression across professional contexts, including healthcare, social policy, and high-end journalism. While exact matches of the three-word string may be less frequent than its variations (like 'dealt with sensitively'), the core concept is ubiquitous in sources like The Guardian and BBC. It is the preferred choice when the writer needs to convey that a situation is being handled with both professional competence and human empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle delicately

Uses a different verb while maintaining the exact sense of careful management.

manage with sensitivity

More formal noun-based construction that highlights the method of management.

handle with care

A common idiom that is broader but frequently interchangeable in sensitive contexts.

handle with tact

Emphasizes the social skill and diplomacy required in the handling.

address with compassion

Shifts the focus slightly toward emotional empathy and kindness.

treat with empathy

Focuses more on the emotional response toward the person involved.

manage with due care

Adds a layer of professional or legal responsibility to the management.

process with discretion

Emphasizes the need for confidentiality and keeping matters private.

navigate with care

Uses a navigational metaphor to suggest complexity and potential pitfalls.

approach with caution

Highlights the risk involved and the need for a slow, careful start.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "deal with sensitively"?

You can use alternatives like "handle delicately", "manage with sensitivity", or "handle with care" depending on the context.

Is "deal with sensitively" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. It combines the phrasal verb 'deal with' with the adverb 'sensitively' to describe the manner in which a task is performed. It is widely used in high-quality publications like The Guardian and BBC.

How do you use "deal with sensitively" in a sentence?

A common usage example is: "The school has a duty to "deal with sensitively" any issues involving student mental health."

What is the difference between "deal with sensitively" and "handle delicately"?

While both mean to manage a situation with care, ""deal with sensitively"" often implies a deeper focus on emotional awareness and empathy, whereas "handle delicately" can sometimes refer to physical fragility or a situation that is simply fragile in a political or social sense.