especially sensitive for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "especially sensitive for" is not entirely correct in standard English usage; it would be better to say "especially sensitive to." You can use it when discussing topics or issues that require careful handling due to their delicate nature.
Example: "The community is especially sensitive to discussions about mental health."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Taking action against abusive priests is especially sensitive for the bishop.

The New York Times

The food price spike is especially sensitive for the government, because China's poor majority spend as much as a third of their incomes on food.

The New York Times

What makes the situation especially sensitive for many Quakers is that this is a faith where individual conscience and decisions are valued highly.

The New York Times

And it is especially sensitive for Mr. Silver, who has faced criticism that he mishandled a 2001 complaint that his former chief of staff sexually assaulted an Assembly employee.

The New York Times

Her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, kept Germany out of the war (and still remembers how that helped him win re-election in 2002).This particular situation in Syria is especially sensitive for Germans.

The Economist

The bishop's interpretation is "so obviously wrong," Mr. Hylden continued, in an e-mail, "that the deeper question is: Why does she feel at liberty to give a reading of Scripture that doesn't even try to understand and explain what the text is saying?" Fidelity to the Bible text is obviously never trivial for Christians, but it is especially sensitive for Episcopalians right now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The announcement this week that AT&T Wireless, the nation's third-largest cellular company, is for sale adds uncertainty to growth projections for wireless equipment suppliers at an especially sensitive moment for investors, according to industry analysts.

The New York Times

The troubles come at an especially sensitive time for Sears, which is based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., a Chicago suburb.

The New York Times

Palestinian officials said Mr. Arafat was acutely aware, throughout the peace talks, that Jerusalem was an especially sensitive issue for the Arab leaders whose support he needed.

The New York Times

It seems they mark especially sensitive children for later destruction, returning years later to drag attractive people in their 20's into the underworld by their ankles.

The New York Times

To foreigners, however, this smacks of racial discrimination, to which the Chinese are especially sensitive.Manufacturing for export back to Japan avoids these problems.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the audience and context. While acceptable, the phrase "especially sensitive for" may be perceived as less formal than "especially sensitive to" in some settings.

Common error

Avoid using "especially sensitive for" without considering whether a more precise or formal alternative would be more appropriate. While the phrase is common, context matters, and a more tailored phrase might improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "especially sensitive for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a heightened state of awareness, vulnerability, or responsiveness. Ludwig provides examples of its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "especially sensitive for" is used to highlight a heightened state of awareness, vulnerability, or responsiveness. While Ludwig AI suggests that "especially sensitive to" is more grammatically standard, "especially sensitive for" is commonly found in both news and scientific contexts, making it acceptable. Its use depends on the context and desired level of formality. When writing, consider whether "especially sensitive to" or another alternative like "particularly responsive to" may be more suitable for your specific needs. The choice of phrase can influence the perceived formality and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly responsive to

Focuses on the responsiveness aspect, highlighting a strong reaction or effect.

highly susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability and the likelihood of being affected negatively.

unusually vulnerable to

Stresses the element of being exposed and easily harmed.

acutely aware of

Highlights a heightened perception or understanding of a situation.

remarkably perceptive of

Focuses on the ability to keenly discern or understand something.

notably reactive to

Emphasizes a distinct and observable response to a specific stimulus.

distinctly impressionable by

Highlights the ease with which someone or something can be influenced.

especially attuned to

Focuses on a state of being finely adjusted or receptive to something.

particularly inclined towards

Emphasizes a natural tendency or preference in a certain direction.

highly sensitized to

Highlights a state of increased sensitivity, often due to prior exposure or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "especially sensitive for" in a sentence?

You can use "especially sensitive for" to describe a situation or entity that is particularly affected by or responsive to something. For instance, "This issue is especially sensitive for the local community" implies the community is significantly affected.

What's a good alternative to "especially sensitive for"?

Alternatives include "especially sensitive to", "particularly responsive to", or "highly susceptible to", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct: "especially sensitive for" or "especially sensitive to"?

While both phrases are used, "especially sensitive to" is generally considered more grammatically standard. However, Ludwig demonstrates that "especially sensitive for" is also used in reputable publications.

Is "especially sensitive for" formal or informal?

The phrase "especially sensitive for" tends to be more informal than "especially sensitive to". Consider your audience and context when choosing between the two.