extreme delicacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme delicacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that requires careful handling or is very fragile, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The artist worked with extreme delicacy, ensuring that every brushstroke captured the essence of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Yet he treats Sorkin's real-world situations with extreme delicacy and precision.

The New Yorker

It is hard to underestimate the extreme delicacy and difficulty of this task.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lightning fast, it required extreme delicacy and the punter's opinion alongside was succinct.

The Guardian - Sport

The dispute over his comments reflects the extreme delicacy of the Holocaust as an issue in Iranian-American relations.

The New York Times

The result in the Erdem show was extreme delicacy and femininity, yet not a throwback to some ladylike age, but rather a state of fashion grace.

The New York Times

In these characterful scores, published together as "Two Piano Pieces" in 1922, Sorabji balanced extreme delicacy and fiery intensity, hallmarks that would become magnified in his more ambitiously broad-boned works.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

His models are 1960's rockers like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and like them, he has a repertory that encompasses extremes of delicacy and brute force.

The New York Times - Arts

William Pritchard is wrong, reviewing The Broken Estate, to say that "it is the excess, the polemical drive, that makes [Wood] exhilarating to read" because excess in this domain is always a failure, a failure of truth, a loss of the thrilling delicacy of extreme accuracy - something even the hardest punches can have.

The Guardian - Books

Simultaneously, a new visual culture evolved, one that blended extremes of brutality and delicacy, as if justifying one with the other.

The New York Times - Arts

And the orchestra used its moments in the spotlight -- the "Hungarian March" and the "Dance of the Sylphs," for example -- to show off its strengths in the extremes of bluster and delicacy.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. McAdams's contribution here was an emphasis on the music's extremes of clarity and mystery, delicacy and grandeur.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extreme delicacy" to describe situations or actions that require a high degree of care and precision to avoid negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme delicacy" in situations where simple care or attention would suffice. The phrase implies a heightened level of sensitivity or risk, so reserve it for truly delicate matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme delicacy" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically describes a quality or characteristic of an action, situation, or object, emphasizing the high degree of care, precision, and sensitivity required or exhibited. Ludwig AI confirms this correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extreme delicacy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase. As Ludwig AI validates, it describes situations demanding a high degree of care and precision. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "utmost finesse" and "remarkable sensitivity". Remember to reserve its use for situations where a truly high degree of sensitivity is required, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. By following these guidelines, you can use "extreme delicacy" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme care

Highlights carefulness in handling sensitive situations.

exquisite precision

Replaces "delicacy" with "precision" to focus on accuracy and detail.

utmost finesse

Emphasizes skill and grace in handling something.

profound sensitivity

Emphasizes deep understanding and awareness.

remarkable sensitivity

Highlights the careful consideration involved.

exceptional care

Focuses on the high level of attention given.

meticulous attention

Stresses thoroughness and precision.

high degree of precision

Highlights the need for a certain level of accuracy.

consummate skill

Emphasizes mastery and expertise in execution.

delicate touch

Uses a metaphorical term to denote gentleness.

FAQs

How can I use "extreme delicacy" in a sentence?

"Extreme delicacy" is used to describe actions or situations requiring careful handling to avoid causing harm or offense. For example, "The negotiations required "extreme delicacy" to avoid a diplomatic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "extreme delicacy"?

Alternatives to "extreme delicacy" include phrases like "utmost finesse", "remarkable sensitivity", or "exceptional care", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "extreme delicacy" in formal writing?

Yes, "extreme delicacy" is suitable for formal writing when describing situations requiring careful and sensitive handling. Its use suggests professionalism and awareness of potential risks.

What is the difference between "extreme delicacy" and "great care"?

"Extreme delicacy" suggests a higher level of sensitivity and potential risk than "great care". While "great care" implies attentiveness, "extreme delicacy" indicates a situation where even minor missteps could lead to significant negative outcomes.