he was sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily affected by emotions or feelings, often in a context discussing personality traits or reactions to situations. Example: "During the discussion, it became clear that he was sensitive to criticism, often taking feedback to heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was sensitive and poetic.

The Guardian - Music

He was sensitive to the criticism.

The New York Times - Arts

He was sensitive about subordinates acting important.

The Guardian

He was sensitive about the issue of nationality.

The New Yorker

It was recorded that he was sensitive to medication change.

The Guardian

Mr. Franco, who lives in the neighborhood, said he was sensitive to those concerns.

The New York Times

He was sensitive to these things because he shared them to an extreme degree.

The New York Times - Books

In particular he found that he was sensitive to cordless phones and public Wi-Fi.

The Guardian - Tech

Representative Miller said he was sensitive to the religious issues surrounding the bill.

The New York Times

Rollins emphasized that he was sensitive to the concerns of others, particularly teammates.

The New York Times - Sports

For all his bravado, he was sensitive in a way that few men truly are.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "he was sensitive" in contexts where a more nuanced or specific adjective might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like empathetic, perceptive, or considerate to convey the intended meaning more precisely.

Common error

Avoid using "he was sensitive" as a catch-all term without providing specific context. This can lead to misinterpretations or lack of clarity. Always clarify what aspects of his personality or behavior you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was sensitive" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality or characteristic to a male subject. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used to describe emotional responsiveness, awareness of others' feelings, or susceptibility to external stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was sensitive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It generally implies that a person is emotionally aware, empathetic, or easily affected by their environment. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While "sensitive" can have positive connotations, suggesting empathy and understanding, it can also imply vulnerability. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples to clarify the intended meaning. Remember that more nuanced alternatives like "empathetic", "perceptive", or "considerate" may be more precise depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he showed sensitivity

Highlights the action of demonstrating sensitivity, rather than stating it as a quality.

he was considerate

Highlights thoughtfulness and care for others' feelings.

he displayed empathy

Focuses on the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another.

he was attuned to others

Highlights attentiveness and responsiveness to people's emotions and needs.

he was emotionally intelligent

Emphasizes a broader skill set including self-awareness and relationship management.

he was highly responsive

Underscores quick and appropriate reaction to emotional cues.

he was perceptive

Emphasizes his ability to notice and understand things that many people do not.

he possessed a deep understanding

Stresses a thorough grasp of subtle or complex emotions.

he had keen awareness

Focuses on being sharply conscious and informed about emotions.

he had a delicate nature

Implies a gentle and easily affected personality.

FAQs

How can I use "he was sensitive" in a sentence?

You can use "he was sensitive" to describe someone's emotional awareness, empathy, or susceptibility to external stimuli. For example, "He was sensitive to criticism, often taking feedback personally" or "He was sensitive to the needs of others, always ready to offer support".

What are some alternative ways to say "he was sensitive"?

Alternatives include "he was empathetic", "he was perceptive", "he was considerate", or "he was attuned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "he was sensitive"?

Not necessarily. While sensitivity can be a positive trait, indicating empathy and awareness, it can also imply vulnerability or being easily affected by negative emotions. The connotation depends on the context.

What's the difference between "he was sensitive" and "he was emotional"?

"He was sensitive" implies an awareness and understanding of emotions, both one's own and others'. "He was emotional" suggests a tendency to express feelings openly and intensely. Sensitivity is more about perception, while emotionality is more about expression.