have been sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being sensitive that has persisted over a period of time. Example: "They have been sensitive to the needs of their community, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She could have been Sensitive Theresa, Caring Theresa, Funny Theresa.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Nets have been sensitive to the fact that we have a season to play".

The New York Times - Sports

Ford officials have been sensitive in tending to relations with the city's Arab-American community.

The New York Times

But the company should have been sensitive to the charge of any kind of cover up at all.

The Economist

His reports on the deployment of Russian soldiers to Syria, a taboo topic until the Kremlin recently began admitting it had military advisers there, have been sensitive.

The Guardian

Commission staff members can also make recommendations on architects and contractors who they feel have been sensitive to historic preservation in the city.

The New York Times

Ever since the crash of October 1987, when Wall Street fell nearly 23% in a day, investors have been sensitive to the risk of an extreme fall.

The Economist

Manufacturers say that in the past Asian buyers have been sensitive about buying something as costly as a plane.But the region's huge prosperity means things are changing.

The Economist

Both parties have been sensitive to public anger over the bailout of big financial institutions, the high unemployment rate and Wall Street bonuses.

The New York Times

Ms. Burton is a good listener, and she would have been sensitive to the bride and the overwhelming demands of the occasion.

The New York Times

I should have been sensitive enough to know that the experience could screw them up in 20 to 30 years' time".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been sensitive" to describe a continuous state of awareness or responsiveness over a period. For example, "The company leaders have been sensitive to employee needs, leading to higher job satisfaction."

Common error

Avoid using "have been sensitive" when referring to a single, isolated incident. Use "was sensitive" instead. For example, use "The negotiator was sensitive during that critical meeting" instead of "The negotiator have been sensitive during that critical meeting" if it's a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been sensitive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being responsive or aware over a period of time. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and is used to describe a continuous condition. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political awareness to scientific measurement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been sensitive" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase that describes a continuous state of awareness, responsiveness, or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and versatility make it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly news reporting and scientific writing. While highly prevalent across various sources, its appropriate usage depends on accurately portraying sustained sensitivity rather than isolated events. When using "have been sensitive", be mindful to select synonyms such as "have shown sensitivity" or "have been aware" for improved precision, and avoid applying it to singular occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have shown sensitivity

Emphasizes the active demonstration of being sensitive rather than a state of being.

have been responsive

Focuses on reacting appropriately to external stimuli or needs.

have been aware

Highlights the understanding or perception of something.

have been receptive

Emphasizes openness and willingness to receive new information or ideas.

have been mindful

Implies a deliberate and conscious awareness.

have been attuned

Suggests a fine-tuned sensitivity or responsiveness.

have taken into consideration

Focuses on careful thought and regard for something.

have been susceptible

Indicates vulnerability or proneness to being affected by something.

have been affected

Focuses on the impact or influence experienced.

have been vulnerable

Highlights a state of weakness or exposure to harm.

FAQs

How can I use "have been sensitive" in a sentence?

You can use "have been sensitive" to describe a state of being aware and responsive over time. For instance, "The researchers "have been sensitive" to the ethical implications of their study."

What's a good alternative to "have been sensitive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "have shown sensitivity", "have been aware", or "have been responsive".

Is it correct to say "has been sensitive" instead of "have been sensitive"?

No, "has been sensitive" is for singular subjects, while ""have been sensitive"" is for plural subjects or when used with "I", "you", "we", or "they".

What does it mean when something is described as "sensitive"?

Being "sensitive" implies a heightened awareness and responsiveness to certain stimuli or conditions. In different contexts, it can suggest empathy, precision, or vulnerability.