displaying tact

USAGE SUMMARY

"displaying tact" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone's ability to handle sensitive situations with care and consideration. For example: "She was praised for displaying tact during the difficult negotiations." Alternative expressions include "showing diplomacy" and "exhibiting sensitivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As a senator, she assembled one of the most talented, effective staffs in the Congress, and she displayed tact and deftness in working with other senators, even across the aisle with Republicans like John McCain and Lindsey Graham.

Huffington Post

I commend Cuomo for displaying brilliant tact.

Huffington Post

Kabir Singh, a Lakeland customer from Mountain Lakes, N.J., said that people in tight quarters, and especially the bus drivers, needed to display more tact and understanding about cellphones.

The New York Times

"Politeness requires that you quickly close the door and say, 'Pardon, Madame!', whereas tact would be to quickly close the door and say: 'Pardon, Monsieur!'" "It is only in the second case," explained philosopher Slavoj Žižek recently, "by pretending not to have seen enough even to make out the sex of the person under the shower, that one displays true tact".

The Guardian

Many analysts appeared to place the burden of handling the situation on a White House that has so far displayed little tact in handling the North Korean threat.

Huffington Post

That is until Maggie (Ashley Jensen) comes along, displaying her usual tact.

The Guardian

The very next day, on a flight back to Madras, Rajaji wrote a short and supportive letter to the new president, displaying some of the tact and pragmatism that once earned him the description of "the wisest man in India".

The New York Times

At times, he has displayed levels of tact and cultural awareness resembling those of Prince Philip at a bachelor party.

Vice

However, the Australian team proved very popular throughout the West Indies; Wisden reported that "much credit belonged to the tact displayed by Ian Johnson, who proved a most able captain".

Wikipedia

He luxuriates on the style and tact displayed by a true expert undresser, one who, in his words, "not only knows how to get a husband, but how to keep him".

Huffington Post

In Balls Deep, we finally meet some of the Colombian sewers' cagey denizens as well as a pair of Bogotà's finest, displaying their customary sense of tact and humanity.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "displaying tact" when you want to emphasize a person's ability to handle sensitive situations or conversations with grace and consideration. It suggests a conscious effort to avoid causing offense or discomfort.

Common error

While "displaying tact" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "being considerate" or "showing sensitivity" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displaying tact" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the action of showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or handling situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displaying tact" is a grammatically correct participial phrase used to describe the act of showing sensitivity and skill in handling delicate situations. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and usable in English. Although not extremely frequent, the phrase is suitable for formal contexts and conveys a sense of professionalism. Alternative expressions include "showing diplomacy" and "exhibiting sensitivity". While the phrase is valid, it is best used thoughtfully to suit the context and audience, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing diplomacy

Emphasizes the use of skillful negotiation and sensitivity in managing delicate situations.

exhibiting sensitivity

Highlights the demonstration of understanding and consideration for others' feelings.

handling with care

Focuses on the cautious and considerate approach taken in dealing with a situation or person.

acting judiciously

Stresses the use of sound judgment and prudence in one's actions.

demonstrating finesse

Highlights the skillful and elegant way in which something is handled.

exercising discretion

Focuses on the use of caution and restraint to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

showing prudence

Emphasizes the careful and wise handling of situations to avoid risks.

navigating delicately

Highlights the careful maneuvering required to avoid problems or causing offense.

managing with sensitivity

Focuses on the compassionate and understanding approach to handling situations or people.

showing consideration

Emphasizes the act of being thoughtful and respectful of others' feelings and needs.

FAQs

How can I use "displaying tact" in a sentence?

"Displaying tact" is used to describe someone's behavior when they handle a delicate situation with sensitivity and skill. For example, "The diplomat was praised for "displaying tact" during the negotiations.".

What are some alternatives to "displaying tact"?

Alternatives to "displaying tact" include phrases like "showing diplomacy", "exhibiting sensitivity", or "handling with care". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "displaying tact" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "displaying tact" is well-suited for formal writing. It conveys a sense of professionalism and careful consideration, making it appropriate for reports, essays, and business communications.

What's the difference between "displaying tact" and "being polite"?

"Being polite" generally refers to adhering to social norms and showing good manners. "Displaying tact", on the other hand, specifically involves handling sensitive situations with consideration and skill to avoid causing offense or discomfort. It goes beyond basic politeness and requires a deeper understanding of the situation and the individuals involved.