delicate message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a message that requires careful handling or sensitivity, often due to its content or context. Example: "She delivered the delicate message with great care, knowing it could upset her friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a very delicate message to convey, that we have to ram this down your throats".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

American officials indicated that the recent and delicate messages expressing concern about the Strait of Hormuz were conveyed through a channel other than the Swiss government, which the United States has often used as a neutral party to relay diplomatic messages to Tehran.

The New York Times

But it is precisely this delicate game of message-carrying that opens the possibility of an eventual resolution to a deadlock of counterclaims over mostly Muslim Kashmir that has persisted since Pakistan and India were partitioned in 1947, and has already caused two wars between them.

The New York Times

It'll handle blank DVD media of all flavors (including dual-layer and DVD-RAM) and it's even got Lightscribe technology just in case you want to inscribe delicate and tender messages to everyone for whom you burn CDs and DVDs.

TechCrunch

Charley's "delicate exploring nose" reads messages that are "perhaps as important in endless time as these pen scratches I put down on perishable paper".

The Guardian - Books

It continued the delicate blending of political messages and religious themes that has become a hallmark of the campaign by Mr. Gore and his running mate, Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut.

The New York Times

THE encompassing nature of that message reflects the delicate balance the company is trying to strike.

The New York Times

The line between art and message is a delicate one to tread, and films like these tend to fall clumsily on the side of the maudlin and oversimplified.

The New Yorker

And to make the whole experience even more demanding, we had to weave media appearances into time spent crafting and delivering legal maneuvers, because every public message had a delicate effect on the legal proceedings.

The New York Times

An artist and former musician crafts a poetic message through his delicate sculpture of a piano severed almost in half aside from a single wooden wishbone.

Vice

Wait to visit Web sites, or to send e-mail messages, of a delicate nature until you're on a wired connection or a private wireless one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering a "delicate message", consider your audience and choose your words carefully to avoid causing unintended offense or misunderstanding. Prepare in advance by thinking through possible reactions and crafting your message in a way that is both honest and sensitive.

Common error

Avoid delivering a "delicate message" in a harsh or direct manner, even if you believe in being straightforward. Subtlety and empathy are key to ensuring the message is received constructively, rather than causing unnecessary conflict or distress. Consider softening the message by providing context or acknowledging the potential impact on the recipient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate message" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "delicate" modifies the noun "message". As shown in Ludwig, the phrase indicates that the message needs to be handled with care and sensitivity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate message" is a grammatically correct and usable term in written English, according to Ludwig. It serves to highlight that a particular message requires careful handling or sensitivity due to its potential impact. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in credible news sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure the message is delivered with the appropriate level of tact and empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive message

Simply swaps "delicate" for "sensitive", a direct synonym.

sensitive communication

Replaces "message" with "communication", emphasizing the overall act of conveying information rather than a specific instance.

tactful communication

Highlights the skill of being considerate and avoiding offense in communication.

carefully worded statement

Emphasizes the precise choice of words to avoid causing problems.

diplomatic communication

Suggests a formal and professional approach to conveying information, often in sensitive situations.

subtle message

Focuses on the message being understated and not immediately obvious.

nuanced message

Highlights the complexity and layers of meaning within the message.

challenging message

Highlights the difficulty in conveying the message effectively.

tricky communication

Emphasizes the problematic or difficult nature of the communication.

sensitive information

Shifts the focus from the act of messaging to the nature of the data being conveyed.

FAQs

How can I deliver a "delicate message" effectively?

Deliver a "delicate message" by choosing your words carefully, being empathetic to the receiver's feelings, and delivering the message in a private setting. You might consider alternatives like a "sensitive message" or "tactful communication".

What are some synonyms for "delicate message"?

Some synonyms for "delicate message" include "sensitive communication", "carefully worded statement", or "subtle message", each emphasizing different aspects of careful communication.

When is it appropriate to use the term "delicate message"?

It's appropriate to use the term "delicate message" when referring to information that requires careful handling due to its potential to upset, offend, or cause difficulty. It often involves topics like personal relationships, sensitive business negotiations, or communicating bad news. In some cases, alternatives like "tricky communication" may work as well.

What makes a message "delicate"?

A message is considered "delicate" when it deals with sensitive subjects, emotional issues, or situations where the receiver might react negatively. It necessitates careful wording and a thoughtful approach to ensure it is received as intended. The message could also be considered a "challenging message".