ever more delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever more delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming increasingly fragile or sensitive over time. Example: "As the negotiations progressed, the situation became ever more delicate, requiring careful handling from both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meanwhile, his position for Ireland becomes ever more delicate.

The Guardian - Sport

Embarrassment may be the least of it, as his balancing act between friendship to the United States and street anger grows ever more delicate.

The New York Times

Mr. Warner became president of Mobil in 1965 and chairman and chief executive four years later, serving in that post for 16 years as he steered the company through the Arab oil embargo of 1973, lurches in the oil market and ever more delicate dealings with oil-producing nations.

The New York Times

Up-and-coming directors face three major challenges: engaging more imaginatively with audiences, addressing America's changing demographics and negotiating the ever more delicate balance between rich donors and the public.Audience engagement has to do with a museum's relevance and its impact on its community.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The college's older seismometers were even more delicate.

The New York Times

There is a very French, fiddly, overly rational, tricoteuse side to her, with her ever more precise and delicate invisible mending; she never tires of splitting hairs".

Huffington Post

The reason for his brevity could be that the politics surrounding the issue are currently more delicate than ever.

Huffington Post

With the nomination of Scott Pruitt to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency and Donald Trump's temporary freeze of the EPA within the first days of his inauguration the health of the planet feels more delicate than ever.

Vice

Plus, working an actual, non-metaphorical slab of meat with heavy utensils makes your girl hands look ever-more tragically delicate, like those of the ladies who live on farms.

Vice

It follows, therefore, that each next step in the process provides a more delicate analysis than the previous one(s): the information ever increasing in delicacy refers back to the ultimate descriptum, i.e., the point of origin.

Functional Linguistics

Politics gradually comes to dominate the narrative, upsetting the delicate balance of the early chapters and making the tone ever more strident and overwrought.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever more delicate" to emphasize a gradual increase in fragility or sensitivity, particularly when describing situations or objects that require careful handling or consideration. This phrase adds a layer of sophistication and nuance.

Common error

While "ever more delicate" can add sophistication, avoid overusing such phrases in simple contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "increasingly fragile" or "more sensitive" in less formal writing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever more delicate" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "delicate". It suggests a gradual and continuous increase in the degree of delicacy. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever more delicate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suitability for written English. Its primary function is to intensify the adjective "delicate", emphasizing a gradual increase in fragility or sensitivity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective in conveying nuance, overuse should be avoided in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate. When seeking alternative phrasing, consider using "increasingly fragile", "increasingly sensitive", or "progressively more precarious", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly fragile

Emphasizes the growing fragility of something.

ever more precarious

Mirrors the original phrase but emphasizes risk more directly.

ever more sensitive

Mirrors the original phrase but emphasizes sensitivity.

increasingly sensitive

Highlights the escalating sensitivity of a situation or object.

steadily more fragile

Emphasizes the ongoing, consistent fragility.

progressively more precarious

Focuses on the escalating risk or instability.

increasingly vulnerable

Highlights the rising vulnerability or susceptibility to harm.

gradually more critical

Indicates a situation is becoming increasingly serious.

becoming more critical

Highlights the transition into a state of more criticality.

continually more critical

Stresses the continuity of escalating criticality.

FAQs

How can I use "ever more delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "ever more delicate" to describe a situation or object that is becoming increasingly fragile or sensitive, requiring careful handling. For example, "As the negotiations progressed, the situation became "ever more delicate"".

What phrases are similar to "ever more delicate"?

Similar phrases include "increasingly fragile", "increasingly sensitive", or "progressively more precarious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever more delicate" formal or informal?

"Ever more delicate" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, phrases like "more and more fragile" might be more appropriate.

Can "ever more delicate" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "ever more delicate" can be applied to abstract concepts such as relationships, negotiations, or political situations, where sensitivity and careful handling are increasingly required.