has been delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has been sensitive or fragile over a period of time. Example: "The relationship between the two countries has been delicate since the treaty was signed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For Mr Santos, who is seeking re-election in elections on May 25th, the Petro affair has been delicate.

The Economist

If Ms. Sarney has an obvious chink in her armor, it is her health, which has been delicate in the past.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His health might have been delicate.

The Economist

Carrying rocks and planting trees, he wrote later, improved his health, which had been delicate since childhood.

The New Yorker

The talks have been delicate because the subject is a sore one for Mr. Hewitt, according to people at CBS.

The New York Times

Cross-examinations have been delicate but laborious, conducted at a distance of more than 4,000 miles and through translators.

The Guardian

In the afternoon, Mr. Angle was paired with Abigail Simon, who had been delicate in the Prelude; together, they floated across the earth and aspired heavenward.

The New York Times - Arts

"While the economy is picking up, foreign exchange movements have been delicate, and I hope the B.O.J. manages monetary policy with this in mind," Heizo Takenaka, the economics minister, told reporters today.

The New York Times

Mackay had admitted negotiations to agree personal terms had been "delicate" with Capoue, but the Premier League new boys have missed out on luring him to the Welsh capital.

BBC

Also significant, Phillipps says, has been the delicate economy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Embryo research has been a delicate issue for Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been delicate", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – sensitivity, fragility, or the need for careful handling. Choose related vocabulary to reinforce this meaning for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "sensitive", "fragile", or "precarious" depending on the context to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been delicate" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, typically modifying a subject (e.g., situation, negotiation, relationship). Ludwig AI states that the expression is correct and usable in written English. It highlights a condition that requires careful handling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been delicate" is a phrase used to describe scenarios demanding careful and sensitive handling. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct. While the phrase appears more commonly in News & Media contexts, it can also be found in Scientific domains. When employing "has been delicate", it's important to consider synonyms such as "sensitive" or "fragile" to avoid repetition and maintain precision in conveying the intended meaning. Be mindful of overuse and adapt the phrasing to suit the formality of the context. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been a sensitive matter

Emphasizes the potential for causing offense or upset.

has been a touchy subject

Indicates the likelihood of causing discomfort or disagreement.

has required careful handling

Focuses on the need for cautious management.

has been a fragile situation

Highlights the instability and ease with which it could be disrupted.

has demanded a gentle approach

Stresses the need for tact and consideration.

has been a difficult process

Highlights the challenges and obstacles involved.

has been a precarious balance

Highlights the narrow margin for error and potential instability.

has been a challenging task

Emphasizes the effort and skill required.

has involved intricate negotiations

Focuses on the complexity and subtlety of the discussions.

has been a trying ordeal

Emphasizes the difficult and stressful nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "has been delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "has been delicate" to describe a situation, relationship, or negotiation that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity or fragility. For example, "The negotiation "has been delicate" due to the conflicting interests of the parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "has been delicate"?

Some alternatives include "has been sensitive", "has been fragile", "has required careful handling", or "has been a touchy subject". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "has been delicate" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "has been delicate" in formal writing when describing situations that require careful and tactful handling. It is suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts where precision and sensitivity are important.

What's the difference between "has been delicate" and "has been difficult"?

"Has been delicate" implies a need for sensitivity and careful handling to avoid causing problems or offense. "Has been difficult" simply indicates that something has been challenging or hard to achieve, without necessarily involving sensitivity. A situation can be both difficult and delicate, but the terms emphasize different aspects of the challenge.