delicate child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a child who is sensitive, fragile, or easily affected by their environment or emotions. Example: "The delicate child often needed extra care and attention to feel secure in new situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Had he been a delicate child, he might have found playmates, soul mates, among other delicate children.

The New Yorker

A delicate child, Watt was taught for a time at home by his mother; later, in grammar school, he learned Latin, Greek, and mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One girlfriend that she idolized was Gwedolyn, a lovely delicate child who was lavished with affection by her family because she had diabetes.

The New Yorker

He was born in Marylebone in 1817, the delicate child of a London piano tuner, and knew poverty and suffering at first hand.

The Guardian - Arts

While he was homesick at a Gloucestershire boarding school, Janet was being taught at home by a Miss Francis, school being considered a risk for a delicate child.

The New Yorker

The potential consequences of legal aid cuts were grappled with in a family court in Leicester when a judge called on representatives of Chris Grayling, the Lord Chancellor, to explore how to proceed in a delicate child custody case.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The only real holidays I had during the war were visits to a favorite aunt in Cheshire, in the midst of Delamere Forest, where she had founded the Jewish Fresh Air School for "delicate children".

The New Yorker

How to convert such a delicate children's book to TV? Lovely hand-drawn animation does justice to Helen Oxenbury's illustrations of siblings embarking on an adventure; Michael Rosen's percussive, repetitive words present a bigger problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given the gaudy violence that frequently moves his stories forward and keeps them jumping, it may come as something of a surprise that he has directed a heartfelt, emotionally delicate children's movie about life and death and all the parts in between.

The New York Times

As these blunt-pointed syringes pierced delicate children's skin, many mothers did not have the heart to subject them to vaccination again.

Unicef

The son of a fitfully successful stockbroker, Ionides was a delicate, spoiled child whose artistic bent triumphed over a spotty formal education.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "delicate child", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific type of delicacy you are referring to, such as physical fragility, emotional sensitivity, or developmental vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate child" as a blanket term. Instead, be specific about the child's needs and sensitivities. For example, instead of saying 'The school was not suitable for the delicate child', specify 'The school's loud environment was overstimulating for the child, who had sensory sensitivities'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate child" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "child" to indicate a specific quality or characteristic. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, providing context for understanding its function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate child" is a grammatically sound and commonly used descriptor, denoting a child's vulnerability, sensitivity, or specific needs. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, from News & Media to Encyclopedias. While the term is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it with specificity, avoiding overgeneralizations. Related phrases like "fragile child" or "sensitive child" may offer more precise descriptions depending on the intended meaning. As Ludwig's AI confirms, the phrase is well accepted in English writing, provided it's used with clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile child

Focuses on the child's physical or emotional vulnerability.

sensitive child

Highlights the child's heightened emotional awareness and reaction to stimuli.

vulnerable child

Emphasizes the child's susceptibility to harm or negative influences.

frail child

Specifically refers to a child with physical weakness or poor health.

sickly child

Directly indicates a child who is frequently ill.

child with health issues

A more general term for a child with any kind of health problem, either physical or mental.

child with special needs

Refers to a child who requires additional support due to a disability or condition.

tender child

Emphasizes the child's need for care and protection due to their youth and innocence.

impressionable child

Emphasizes how easily a child is influenced by external factors.

precious child

Stresses the child's value and how much love should be given to them, even though it does not explicitly mention that the child has vulnerabilities or specific needs.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a child as "delicate"?

Describing a child as "delicate" implies that they are sensitive, fragile, or easily affected by their environment or emotions. It suggests they might require extra care and attention.

What are some alternative phrases for "delicate child"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "fragile child", "sensitive child", or "vulnerable child".

Is it appropriate to use the term "delicate child" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicate child" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure it is used with sensitivity and accuracy. Avoid generalizations and focus on specific needs or characteristics.

How can I use "delicate child" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate child" in a sentence like this: "The "sensitive child" often needed a quiet space to decompress after social interactions."