delicate environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'delicate environment' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or place that is vulnerable, fragile, or easily distressed. For example, "The salmon breeding stream is a delicate environment that needs to be carefully monitored for any changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"But we also need to preserve the lagoon, which is a very fragile and delicate environment.

The Guardian

"In such a delicate environment, what he says could be misinterpreted".

The New York Times

Ambition, appetite, and an absence of memory lay waste to a once exquisitely delicate environment of wetlands and beaches.

The New Yorker

"It's like a condominium of 5,000 people passing through an extremely delicate environment," he said of such ships.

The New York Times

But the hold of an aircraft is not a delicate environment, and a professional musician should put his guitar somewhere else.

The Economist

The engravings of the bugs she saw there brought the strange, delicate environment of the Americas to vibrant life, and revealed the complexities of insect mutation and regeneration.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The muddy lattice of marshes, bayous, and barrier islands that makes up southern Louisiana is different.The erosion of these delicate environments was a pressing issue even before the spill, made worse by the damage Katrina did to barrier islands.

The Economist

But the Galapagos Islands, about 600 miles off the Pacific coast of South America, are one of the most delicate environments in the world, full of species of marine iguanas, giant tortoises and penguins that live in isolation and are found nowhere else.

The New York Times

Compliant pneumatic actuators have recently attracted the interests of the robotics community, especially for soft robotic applications where large strokes are needed in delicate environments.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

To Mangauil, the fight to protect Mauna Kea is a microcosm of what is happening all around the world in terms of corporate interests encroaching on delicate environments many people have an affinity for.

Vice

This is a welcome step in protecting the harsh but delicate polar environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental concerns, pair "delicate environment" with specific examples of what threatens it. For example, "The coral reef is a "delicate environment", threatened by rising ocean temperatures and pollution".

Common error

Avoid using "delicate environment" without specifying the actual threats. Saying "We must protect this "delicate environment"" lacks impact if you don't explain what actions are endangering it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate environment" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "environment". It describes a setting or ecosystem that is easily disrupted or damaged. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, underscoring its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate environment" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a vulnerable setting or ecosystem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the need for care and protection. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, its usage spans from environmental concerns to political situations. When using the phrase, it's advisable to specify the factors contributing to the environment's vulnerability, enhancing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile ecosystem

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and vulnerability of the living organisms and their physical surroundings.

vulnerable habitat

Highlights the susceptibility of a natural home to damage or destruction.

sensitive ecosystem

Focuses on the high responsiveness of an environment to external factors and potential for imbalance.

threatened environment

Highlights the external dangers facing the environment, shifting the focus from internal fragility.

at-risk habitat

Specifically refers to habitats facing potential destruction or degradation.

easily disrupted area

Directly describes the characteristic of being prone to disturbance.

precarious situation

Shifts the focus from the physical environment to a potentially unstable set of circumstances.

unstable setting

Similar to 'precarious situation' but emphasizes the location or context of instability.

carefully managed space

Emphasizes the need for attentive handling of the environment.

protected area

Suggests an environment that is safeguarded, opposite to the vulnerability implied by "delicate".

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "delicate environment" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate environment" to describe any ecosystem or situation that is easily disrupted or harmed. For example, "The Arctic is a "delicate environment" particularly vulnerable to climate change".

What are some synonyms for "delicate environment"?

Alternatives include "fragile ecosystem", "vulnerable habitat", or "sensitive ecosystem", depending on the specific context.

What kind of environments can be described as "delicate environment"?

Various natural settings, such as coral reefs, rainforests, and alpine meadows, can be referred to as "delicate environment". This term can also apply to social or political climates that are easily destabilized.

Is it better to say "delicate environment" or "fragile environment"?

Both "delicate environment" and "fragile environment" are appropriate. "Delicate" emphasizes the ease with which the environment can be disturbed, while "fragile" highlights its tendency to break or be damaged.