delicate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'delicate to' is not correct in written English.
In this form, it is not a part of a sentence. If you wanted to use it correctly, you might rephrase it as, 'delicate when it comes to,' or 'delicate regarding.' For example, "Although he was brave in many situations, he was delicate when it came to confronting his fears."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was too delicate to print.

The New York Times

Others are extremely delicate to operate.

The Economist

Semiconductors are devilishly delicate to produce.

The New York Times

Archbishop Anthony's position became delicate, to say the least.

The Guardian

"A great distance when one has something delicate to negotiate.

The New Yorker

"It's a little delicate to serve this kind of cheese".

The New York Times - Food

But this truth always seems too delicate to broach.

The New York Times

Until the clay is cooked in a kiln, it is too delicate to handle.

The New York Times - Sports

The watercolor, now at the Albertina in Vienna, is too delicate to travel.

The New York Times - Arts

The fabric is tough and resistant, yet delicate to the touch, and comfortable to wear.

The New York Times

The repercussions vary as the materials do, ranging from soft to rigid and delicate to sturdy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rephrase "delicate to" using more grammatically sound alternatives like "sensitive to", "fragile when exposed to", or "requires careful handling" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate to" without completing the phrase. For example, instead of saying "The instrument is delicate to", specify what it's delicate to: "The instrument is delicate to changes in temperature".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, often intended to describe something that is easily affected or damaged by something else. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is not grammatically correct as a standalone expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "delicate to" is frequently used across diverse sources, Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically incorrect. Its intended function is typically to describe something easily affected by another factor, with usage spanning news, science, and other fields. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, consider alternatives like "sensitive to", "fragile when exposed to", or "requires careful handling". Remember to specify what something is delicate to for full understanding. Proper phrasing will enhance the credibility and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive to

This alternative highlights a responsiveness to external stimuli or influences, differing from "delicate to" which emphasizes vulnerability.

susceptible to

This phrase emphasizes vulnerability to negative effects or influences, a slightly stronger connotation than "delicate to".

fragile when exposed to

This alternative specifies a condition that causes fragility, making it more descriptive than "delicate to".

easily damaged by

This option emphasizes the potential for harm or breakage, unlike "delicate to" which focuses on inherent sensitivity.

requires careful handling

This suggests the need for special treatment due to fragility, shifting the focus from the object's nature to the action required.

easily affected by

This alternative emphasizes how easily something changes due to an action, differing from inherent sensitivity suggested by "delicate to".

unstable in response to

Implies a higher probability of something being changed compared to a mere sensitivity.

finicky regarding

Changes the implication toward something requiring extra consideration or potentially more attention.

needs to be carefully handled

This suggestion moves the focus onto human action and care to be given.

liable to be harmed by

Focuses on the likelihood of harm, making it a stronger term than "delicate to" which focuses on inherent weakness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "delicate to" to improve grammatical correctness?

You can replace "delicate to" with phrases like "sensitive to", "fragile when exposed to", or "requires careful handling" depending on the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "delicate to" that convey a similar meaning?

Similar phrases include "susceptible to", "easily damaged by", and "easily affected by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "delicate to" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "delicate to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use alternative phrases like "sensitive to" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

How does the context influence the best alternative for "delicate to"?

The context dictates the most suitable alternative. If you're referring to vulnerability, "susceptible to" might be appropriate. If you're highlighting the need for care, "requires careful handling" is a better fit.