heightened sensitivity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightened sensitivity to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means being more aware or receptive to something. Example: Due to recent events, there has been a heightened sensitivity to issues of racial inequality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Right now, British travellers have heightened sensitivity to risk.

Independent

The well-publicised G4S Olympics security fiasco has heightened sensitivity to the risks of outsourcing.

The Guardian

"There are market vibrations, gyrations, heightened sensitivity to risk, but it's too early to say perceptions have changed," he said.

Independent

Even before the 2010 season starts, one player has already tried to leverage heightened sensitivity to concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

This, rather, seems to reflect heightened sensitivity to issues of race in the age of Obama, and the intrusive power of history.

The New York Times

For instance, people with Addison's disease, a rare disorder that causes a deficiency of stress hormones, experience dramatically heightened sensitivity to sweet and salt tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Migraine is characterized by severe pain and heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli that results in depression of normal daily activities.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The pattern of brain activation observed may represent the CNS correlate of previous observations on heightened sensitivity to psychosocial stress in persons at increased genetic risk for schizophrenia.

Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry

"We certainly hope people will now have heightened sensitivity to this," he said.

Huffington Post

Unexpectedly, the shERα cells exhibited a much heightened sensitivity to 4-OHT treatment (Figure 9A).

Plosone

This suggests that, well beyond sleep stage designation, latent alpha content betrays heightened sensitivity to impending sounds.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heightened sensitivity to", ensure the context clearly specifies the cause or object of the increased sensitivity. For example: "heightened sensitivity to criticism".

Common error

Avoid using "heightened sensitivity to" without specifying what the sensitivity is directed towards. Saying someone has "heightened sensitivity" is vague; clarify what they are sensitive to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened sensitivity to" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, indicating an amplified awareness or susceptibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened sensitivity to" is a grammatically correct phrase indicating an increased awareness or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "increased sensitivity to" exist, "heightened" often suggests a more acute perception. The phrase serves to highlight a change in awareness, making it essential to specify the object of sensitivity for clarity. Common errors involve overgeneralization, which can be avoided by providing specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased sensitivity to

Indicates a rise in the level of sensitivity; interchangeable in many contexts.

enhanced sensitivity to

Similar to increased, but suggests a more sophisticated or refined sensitivity.

greater sensitivity to

Emphasizes the magnitude of the sensitivity.

heightened awareness of

Shifts the focus to conscious recognition rather than inherent susceptibility.

increased susceptibility to

Highlights vulnerability or proneness to being affected by something.

acute awareness of

Indicates a sharp and immediate understanding or perception.

sharpened awareness of

Suggests a focus and refinement of perception.

increased responsiveness to

Focuses on reaction and response rather than inherent sensitivity.

marked sensitivity to

Highlights the notability of the sensitivity; easily observed.

pronounced sensitivity to

Similar to marked, implying an obvious or easily perceived sensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "heightened sensitivity to" in a sentence?

You can use "heightened sensitivity to" to describe an increased awareness or reaction to something. For example: "The public now has a "heightened sensitivity to" environmental issues".

What are some alternatives to "heightened sensitivity to"?

Alternatives include "increased sensitivity to", "enhanced sensitivity to", or "greater sensitivity to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "heightened sensitivity to" or "increased sensitivity to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Heightened" suggests a more acute or intense level of awareness than simply "increased".

What does "heightened sensitivity to" usually imply?

It generally implies a greater awareness or susceptibility to a particular stimulus, situation, or issue, often as a result of specific experiences or circumstances. For example, a "heightened sensitivity to" microaggressions may stem from personal experiences of discrimination.